Search: mercedes symbol origin
Why: Zack said the BMW logo is blue sky through the blades of an airplane propeller, stemming from their early days as engine manufacturers. The Mercedes symbol looks like a modern windmill.
Answer: It alludes to a postcard written in the 1870s by the guy who invented the first 4-wheel automobile, Gottlieb Daimler. The postcard had a picture of his town and a 3-pointed star, and he wrote that the star would one day rise and shine over his factories. The 3 points inspired him and partner Wilhelm Maybach to create small, high-speed petrol engines that could be used in land, water, and air. Gottlieb's sons registered the symbol in 1902, after he had died and they managed the company (Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft / DMG / Daimler Motor Company).
Source: UniqueCarsandParts, Wikipedia
The More You Know: In 1926, after WWI made Germany poor, DMG merged with another manufacturer, Benz & Company Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik, becoming Daimler-Benz. A new logo was created, combining the 3-pointed star with the traditional Benz logo, a ring of laurel:
I was wondering about this logo. Thanks for the information, makes sense to me now.
ReplyDelete