From humble beginnings as a trainee in a German orphanage, Wilhelm MAYBACH came to invent the high-speed internal ignition engine which led to his creation of the first motorcycle. In 1901, as chief engineer and business partner to Gottlieb Daimler, he designed and built the first Mercedes cars.

In 1996 Wilhelm MAYBACH was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit.

Karl MAYBACH developed the first high-speed diesel engine and constructed motors for the Zeppelin airships that circled the globe in the 1920’s and 30’s. Advancing his father’s legacy, Karl founded the MAYBACH car company wherein he applied his own inventions and technological advancements. The result was a line of vehicles which earned worldwide praise and an unparalleled reputation.

In 2002, Daimler AG revitalized the MAYBACH brand in recognition of the father and son who together played such a monumental role in defining German engineering.