Mercedes-Benz Canada commemorates 125! years of Innovation with a cross-Canada tour of the world's first automobile
Over 125 years ago, Carl Benz filed an application for a patent for his three-wheeled motor car, revolutionizing transportation and ultimately laying the foundation for all present day passenger cars, commercial vehicles and buses. Today, Mercedes-Benz Canada is pleased to announce that it has initiated a pan-Canadian tour that will bring the original Benz Patent-Motorwagen to cities right across the country to help commemorate this historic anniversary.
The epic journey officially began on June 17 in Victoria, and it will travel to dealerships from coast-to-coast. Between destinations, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen will be transported by a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Offering a capacious cargo area, low vehicle emissions and segment-leading fuel consumption from its powerful BlueTEC clean diesel engine, the Sprinter was the natural choice to become the official vehicle for the tour.
Daimler's proficiency in the commercial vehicle segment also has a proud and highly successful heritage with Gottlieb Daimler introducing the world's first truck in 1896. The Motor-Lastwagen was capable of carrying up to 1,500 kg, and provided an alternative means of transportation superior to traditional horse-drawn goods transport. With over 115 years of technical innovations, Daimler is the world's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer. Today, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's numerous best-in-class features combine to make it the benchmark in the light-duty van segment here in Canada.
"The Benz Patent-Motorwagen literally changed transportation and paved the way for the modern automobile. We are extremely proud to bring this visionary vehicle to dealerships across Canada, allowing our valued customers the opportunity to enjoy a first-hand look at the world's first official motor car," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "We are extremely proud to have invented the automobile over 125 years ago, but it is even more rewarding to note that our company's steadfast commitment to innovation has allowed us to continue to reinvent it to this day. With more than 80,000 patents filed worldwide since the original patent that started it all, we have continued to introduce ground-breaking technologies that have ensured that Mercedes-Benz continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of the automobile."
