In 1898, Jellinek wanted a powerful car that could participate in races organized by the Nice Automobile Club. He worked closely with Wilhelm Maybach, DMG's chief designer and engine builder, to develop a new vehicle that would meet his demands.
Jellinek suggested naming the car "Mercedes" after his 10-year-old daughter, Mercedes Adrianne Ramona Manuela Jellinek. He registered the name "Mercedes" as a trademark for DMG in 1901, and the first car to carry the Mercedes name was the Mercedes 35 hp model, introduced the same year.
Over time, the Mercedes brand gained recognition and popularity, and in 1926, Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft merged with Benz & Cie. to form Daimler-Benz AG. The Mercedes-Benz brand was then created, combining the prestige of the Mercedes name with the engineering excellence of Benz.
Mercedes Jellinek remained an important figure in the history of the company and was known as the "Mercedes Lady" or the "Mother of Mercedes." She later married and changed her last name, but her legacy endures through the iconic car brand that bears her name.
