Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of luxury cars, buses, coaches, and trucks. It is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG. Mercedes-Benz was founded in 1881 and is the oldest car maker around today. Its history includes the first petrol-powered car, created by Karl Benz in 1886. The company marketed its first Mercedes car in 1901. Mercedes has built up a reputation for designing high-quality, safe and luxurious cars. They have become a status symbol for business people and the rich and famous. The company is synonymous with speed and has been involved with motor sports since 1926. The company first won the Formula 1 championship in 1954. The company website says keeping customers satisfied is “at the heart of the Mercedes-Benz customer-care philosophy”.