Mercedes-AMG

Founded in 1967 in Burgstall an der Murr by former Mercedes engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, AMG (Aufrecht, Melcher, Großaspach) began as an independent engine forge and tuning firm specializing in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The company achieved legendary status in 1971 when its 'Red Pig' 300 SEL 6.8 racing sedan won its class and finished second overall at the 24 Hours of Spa. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, AMG expanded from a racing engine specialist into a premier manufacturer of customized performance cars, eventually moving its headquarters to Affalterbach in 1976. A pivotal cooperation agreement was signed with Daimler-Benz AG in 1990, allowing AMG products to be sold and maintained through the official Mercedes-Benz dealer network. This partnership led to the 1993 release of the C 36 AMG, the first vehicle jointly developed under the agreement. In 1999, DaimlerChrysler AG acquired a majority stake in the company, which was subsequently renamed Mercedes-AMG GmbH. By 2005, Daimler became the sole owner, fully integrating the performance brand into its corporate structure. In the 21st century, Mercedes-AMG transitioned from a performance tuner to a full-scale vehicle developer. In 2010, the brand launched the SLS AMG, the first car developed entirely in-house. This was followed by the AMG GT and the ultra-exclusive AMG ONE hypercar, which features a direct derivative of a Formula 1 hybrid powertrain. Today, the company leads Mercedes-Benz's performance electrification strategy through its E PERFORMANCE hybrid and EQ electric vehicle lines.