Press Release
The ultimate in dynamism and individuality
- Centre of competence: specialised in developing unique products
- World-wide strength: Mercedes-AMG benefits from DaimlerChrysler
- Pioneering work: technology transfer from the world of motorsport
- The history of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: Timelinegh
AMG - these three letters have long stood for outstanding, top-Class technology, dynamism and exclusivity. The desire to continue this success is what makes the DaimlerChrysler subsidiary Mercedes-AMG such an innovative company.
Mercedes-AMG GmbH specialises in the development of unique high-performance cars. This range of expertise includes both series products - such as the new CLK 55 AMG or small-series vehicles like the C32 AMG Sports Coupé - and specially manufactured one-off examples. The company is based in Affalterbach (near Stuttgart) and has responsibility for all its own development processes relating to engines, drive systems, suspension, brakes, aerodynamics, interiors and designs. In addition, Mercedes-AMG GmbH carries out all marketing and sales-related activities autonomously.
"Mercedes-AMG GmbH is the top-performance division within the DaimlerChrysler Group. We offer a wide range of exciting high-performance cars and meet even the most demanding of customer wishes. Mercedes-AMG GmbH represents both emotional appeal and ultimate performance in equal measure", says Ulrich Bruhnke, the President of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Mercedes-AMG utilises all the advantages of DaimlerChrysler AG
Since its incorporation into the DaimlerChrysler Group on January 1, 1999 this highly specialised company has been able to make full use of the Group's technological resources and benefit from the Group's world-wide strength. New AMG cars are included in the specifications booklet from the very start of the conceptual phase and, like every Mercedes-Benz vehicle, pass through every development stage right up to series production maturity. In addition to its own equipment, Mercedes-AMG has access to all high-tech test rigs and test sites operated by DaimlerChrysler AG.
Quality and service to exacting Mercedes-Benz standards
During development and production, each AMG product is subject to precisely the same quality standards that apply to any other vehicle bearing the Mercedes star. The result is significant advantages vis-à-vis retrofit solutions, particularly in terms of functionality, quality level and a long operating life. Since each AMG car remains a genuine Mercedes-Benz through and through, all vehicles bearing the AMG logo are fully covered by the extensive Mercedes-Benz warranty and service agreements.
The strength of Mercedes-AMG GmbH lies in rapidly and flexibly fulfilling highly diversified customer requests. A glance at the model range, which has expanded at an extraordinary rate within a very short time, is proof positive: there is now a choice of 15 different AMG vehicles, all of which may be seen as the top-of-the-line models in the relevant Mercedes-Benz model series. Mercedes-AMG also offers an extensive range of accessories and optional equipment ex factory for almost all Mercedes-Benz models. Special customer requests are met by the in-house custom shop, the Manufaktur, where specialists are able to turn even the most exotic wishes into a reality.
540 highly motivated specialists at the Affalterbach site
Mercedes-AMG GmbH currently has approx. 540 employees – all of them highly motivated and qualified specialists for whom the ongoing search for the best possible solution is part of their professional identity. President Ulrich Bruhnke: "Emotive products can only be developed and produced by emotionally committed employees. A willingness to work as a team and enthusiasm for ambitious projects of all kinds are an inseparable part of the company philosophy, and are demonstrated each day afresh by every employee of Mercedes-AMG GmbH."
Mercedes-AMG customers benefit from racing know-how
AMG has been concerned with the professional enhancement of Mercedes-Benz cars since 1967, and is seen as a pioneer in this sector. Company founder Hans Werner Aufrecht has impressively demonstrated the expertise of his company on the international motor racing scene by achieving numerous successes over several decades. A continuous technology transfer from motorsport to series production still benefits every Mercedes-AMG customer.
The History of Mercedes-AMG GmbH
1967
Hans Werner Aufrecht (A) and Erhard Melcher (M) found their company at the Old Mill in Großaspach (G), giving it the official title "Engineering office for the Design and Testing of Racing Engines".
1971
The first major sporting triumph for AMG: the AMG Mercedes 300 SEL 6.9 driven by Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickendanz creates a surprise by winning in its class at the Spa 24 Hours and finishing second overall.
1978
The Old Mill in Großaspach has become too small for the company, which now boasts customers all over the world. AMG and its 40 staff move to Affalterbach.
1988
AMG partners Daimler-Benz in its motor racing comeback in the German Touring Car Masters.
1989
AMG is the most successful team in the German Touring Car Championship: Klaus Ludwig and Johnny Cecotto score seven wins.
1990
AMG’s Plant III is opened in Affalterbach. The company now has a staff of 400 and a cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz, which extends beyond the motor racing sphere.
1992
AMG driver Klaus Ludwig takes the German Touring Car Championship title.
1993
The first vehicle jointly developed on the basis of the cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz goes on the market: the Mercedes C 36 AMG. The name AMG is so widely known that the Patent Office registers it as a trademark.
1994
Once again Klaus Ludwig for AMG is the champion driver in the German Touring Car Championship. The US version of the Mercedes C 36 AMG is developed and type-approved in ten months.
1995
An AMG driver takes the German Touring Car Championship title for the third time, as well as winning the first ever ITC title. In both cases the driver is Bernd Schneider.
1996
AMG is runner-up in the International Touring Car Championship with Bernd Schneider. At the Geneva Motor Show, AMG unveils the E 50 AMG and makes the transition from a component plant to a component and vehicle plant.
1997
AMG celebrates new production milestones with 5000 units of the C 36 AMG and 2000 units of the E 50 AMG. The successor models, the C 43 AMG and E 55 AMG, are launched following the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show.
Bernd Schneider in the Mercedes CLK-GTR is champion driver and AMG Mercedes takes the team title in the FIA GT championship.
1998
A road-going version of the CLK-GTR is built in a limited edition of 25 units. AMG-Mercedes wins all ten races in the FIA GT Championship. Klaus Ludwig and Ricardo Zonta take the championship title.
1999
Mercedes-AMG GmbH commences business on 01.01.99. The company is jointly managed by Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard (President) and Domingos Piedade. Some 5000 vehicles are sold world-wide.
2000
Sales reach a record level of 11,500 vehicles, the most popular model being the ML 55 AMG with over 4500 units sold. Ulrich Bruhnke becomes President.
2001
Sales record broken again: 18,500 Mercedes-AMG models are sold. Most popular model is the C 32 AMG with around 3800 vehicles sold. Market launch of the SL 55 AMG with 350 kW/476 hp.
2002
The number of staff increases to around 540, market launch of the CLK 55 AMG.
