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Mercedes Benz has been represented in North America since 1888

A journey full of pioneering spirit.

The history of Mercedes-Benz in North America is a journey full of pioneering spirit and strategic expansion. From early partnerships and the “American Mercedes” to the founding of Mercedes-Benz USA and Canada to the establishment of major production facilities in Alabama and South Carolina, the brand has firmly anchored itself on the continent. Today, North America is a crucial market and a center for innovation and production for Mercedes-Benz.

1886
Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz simultaneously develop the world's first automobiles in Cannstatt (near Stuttgart) and Mannheim. On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz applies for patent no. 37435 for a “vehicle with gas engine operation”.
1888
In Queens, New York, the Daimler Motor Company (DMC) is founded on September 29, 1888.
1890
The first four-cylinder Mercedes engine developed by Wilhelm Maybach is shipped to New York.
1905
Local assembly of the “American Mercedes” starts - based on the 45-hp Mercedes manufactured in Cannstatt at the time.
1910
At Daytona Beach, Barney Oldfield sets a world speed record with the “Blitzen-Benz”: 211.97 km/h (131.72 mph) in the flying mile run.
1952
Max Hoffman begins importing Mercedes-Benz vehicles into the USA.
1954
On Hoffman's initiative, the legendary 300 SL “Gullwing” - icon, crowd favourite and still one of the most important heritage vehicles in the world - celebrates its premiere at the International Motor Sports Show in New York.
1957
Studebaker-Packard takes over the distribution of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and diesel engines in the USA.
1965
Mercedes-Benz of North America (MBUSA) is founded - as the first company-owned sales organization outside Germany.
1990
Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design North America is founded and takes on the leading role in the design of the M-Class.
1994
Start of construction of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
1995
Mercedes-Benz opens a research and development center in Silicon Valley (MBRDNA).
1995
Founding of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI).
1997
Start of assembly of the M-Class (BR 163) in Tuscaloosa - and thus the birth of a new class of luxury SUVs.
1998
Merger to DaimlerChrysler (until 2007).
2005
The Tuscaloosa plant is expanded, the workforce doubled.
2006
In Charleston, South Carolina, the SKD (semi-knock-down) assembly of the Sprinter begins.
2015
MBUSA relocates from Montvale, New Jersey to Atlanta, Georgia.
2018
In Charleston, the full local assembly of the Sprinter will begin.
2022
The new battery plant near Tuscaloosa starts operation.
2023
Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer to bring certified, conditionally automated driving according to SAE Level 3 to the USA.
2025
MBUSA bundles parts of the US workforce: Up to 500 jobs will be relocated from different locations to a new, state-of-the-art R&D hub near Atlanta.
2026
140 years of innovation - and 138 years of presence in the USA.
2026
The five millionth vehicle is assembled in Tuscaloosa.

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American Mercedes.

Our footprint in North America.

In 1888, only two years after the invention of the automobile, Gottlieb Daimler came to the USA and founded the Daimler Motor Company together with the piano manufacturer William Steinway.

More on our footprint