Mercedes-AMG
At Mercedes-Benz of Marion, we celebrate the legacy of AMG, a brand born from a shared passion for motorsport and engineering excellence.
THE BEGINNING
Two Men, Three Letters
Over 50 years ago, a distinctive company emerged from a deep love for motorsports.
The initials A for Aufrecht, M for Melcher, and G for Großaspach represent the founders behind this venture, which grew from a small two-person team into a worldwide brand. The journey began in the 1960s when engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher worked on the 300 SE racing engine in Daimler-Benz's Development Department, until the cessation of the company's motorsport activities.
However, Aufrecht and Melcher's passion for racing never waned. In Aufrecht's home in Großaspach, they continued to refine the engine in their free time. In 1965, their colleague from Daimler, Manfred Schiek, raced with their modified 300 SE engine in the German Touring Car Championship and clinched ten victories. This success laid the groundwork for Aufrecht and Melcher's reputation as specialists in enhancing and maintaining the performance of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Road Vehicles Inspired by Successful Racing Cars
For Aufrecht, reputation alone was not sufficient; his ambition was to produce road cars inspired by successful racing models. In late 1966, he departed from Mercedes-Benz and convinced Melcher to start a business together. In 1967, they established "Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach Ingenieurbüro, Konstruktion und Versuch zur Entwicklung von Rennmotoren" ("Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach engineering firm, design and testing for the development of racing engines"), with its headquarters in a former mill in Burgstall. Soon, the engines they modified there became essential for private racing teams.
The first significant achievement in racing came in 1971 at the 24 Hours of Spa, marking a memorable moment for the company: the AMG Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 clinched the class championship and secured second place overall. This heavy luxury sedan outmaneuvering lighter, purpose-built race cars was a sensation, catapulting the AMG name to global recognition.
EXPANDING UPON EXCELLENCE
Status Quo: a Foreign Concept – in the Truest Sense
Following years of expansion, AMG began integrating performance technology into an increasing number of Mercedes models. By the early 1970s, they pioneered a new approach: customization. For the Mercedes-AMG team, the word "impossible" was no longer part of their vocabulary, a philosophy that persists. This lucrative sector enabled AMG to expand into a medium-sized company, attracting more international clients. In 1976, with around a dozen employees, AMG relocated to a specially constructed workshop and office in Affalterbach.
In 1984, AMG ventured into engine manufacturing with an innovative step: Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher developed a unique four-valve-per-cylinder head. Two years later, in 1986, AMG placed a 5.0-liter V8 into an E-class coupe, which became globally renowned as "The Hammer," an enduring symbol of AMG's legacy in the U.S. Towards the late 1980s, Daimler-Benz and AMG began their collaboration, initially as official racing partners. The peak of this era was marked by the success of the 190 racecar, which, with manufacturer support, clinched 50 DTM victories between 1988 and 1993.
JOINING THE FAMILY
A Success Maneuver with Foresight: the Cooperation Contract
The year 1990 marked a significant milestone for AMG when they signed a cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG. This partnership dramatically increased demand and customer acceptance for AMG products, as they could now be sold and serviced through Mercedes-Benz's global network of company-owned sales and service centers. This led to further growth, including the opening of a third manufacturing plant in 1990 and an expansion of the workforce to 400 employees. In 1993, AMG and Mercedes-Benz introduced their first co-developed car, the Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG. That same year, AMG was officially recognized as a trademark by the Patent Office, reflecting its growing brand recognition.
Takeover by DaimlerChrysler AG
On January 1, 1999, Hans Werner Aufrecht sold a controlling interest in his expanding business to DaimlerChrysler AG. By January 1, 2005, DaimlerChrysler had acquired full ownership of the company, which then became Mercedes-AMG GmbH, enabling it to leverage the group's global resources and reputation even more effectively. Also in 1999, the motorsport division was moved to Aufrecht's new company, H.W.A. GmbH (now H.W.A. AG), situated near Mercedes-AMG GmbH. Here, around 200 employees collaborate with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport to oversee both companies' participation in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM).
Mercedes-AMG TODAY
Performance from Affalterbach
Mercedes-AMG GmbH has over 2,000 employees at its facility in Affalterbach. The company's commitment to professionalism is characterized by its focus on high performance, precision, and efficiency. Each Mercedes-AMG vehicle guarantees exceptional performance, thrilling driving dynamics, and top-tier quality in every detail. This commitment is supported by stringent standards for maximum power, torque, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
A Varied Offer Tailored to the Wishes of Our Customers
The Mercedes-AMG lineup is now more extensive and varied than at any previous time, tailored to meet a wide array of customer preferences and needs. It features more than 50 performance vehicles, with engine outputs ranging from 270 kW (367 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp). The range includes sedans, coupés, SUVs, roadsters, and the Mercedes-AMG GT, which is the second sports car independently developed by Mercedes-AMG. Every AMG model offers comprehensive performance, highlighted by unique power delivery, an enthralling engine sound, superior handling, and a direct driving experience. Exclusivity, along with exceptional quality and meticulous craftsmanship, are also standard. In essence, all Mercedes-AMG models reflect the brand's signature engineering and craftsmanship.
Authentic Performance: Formula 1, DTM, and Customer Sport
Deeply entrenched in the world of motorsport, Mercedes-AMG has dominated race tracks for decades. From being the top performer in DTM history to its extensive engagement in international customer racing with vehicles like the SLS AMG GT3, the Mercedes-AMG GT3, and now the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT4, Mercedes-AMG holds the title of the most successful brand in DTM.
Moreover, the brand extends its presence into Formula 1, where since the 2012 season, it has been represented by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team and engine supplier, Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. Since 1996, AMG has also been responsible for supplying both the Formula 1 Safety Car and the Formula 1 Medical Car.
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