2003 Maybach 57

The ultimate in German automotive engineering

• Series production start-up at the new Maybach 'Manufaktur' facility as of autumn 2002

• The Maybach badge, rich in tradition - a new interpretation

• Customised Saloon equipment and design

• Mercedes innovations for greatest comfort and safety

We proudly announce the rebirth of one of the most distinguished and exclusive car brands in the world: Maybach.

A synonym in the 1930s for superior quality and exclusive style, from now on this name steeped in tradition is being used to designate the new luxury car brand in the Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car and smart division at DaimlerChrysler. The Stuttgart automotive group has scheduled the presentation of the new Maybach saloon for autumn next year.

'We're using the name Maybach to emphasise the unique character of our future premium-quality product,' comments Professor J��n Hubbert, Board Member of DaimlerChrysler AG, with responsibility for the Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car and smart division, 'and to carry on the tradition of a legendary brand, whose exciting cars were the ultimate in design and technical perfection in the years between 1921 and 1940. We are pursuing these very same goals in the development of the new Maybach. Based on state-of-the-art Mercedes technology, the vehicles will set new standards in the world of premium cars, thus paying due honour to the great name of Maybach'.

The logo is also a reminder of the earlier German luxury car brand. In a modern interpretation, it takes its lead from the striking emblem which once used to adorn the radiators of these much-admired cars: 'MM' once stood for 'Maybach Motorenbau' -- and in future it will mean 'Maybach Manufaktur'. Situated on the radiator grille of the new Maybach Saloon, the silver badge harmonises perfectly with the luxury car's body lines.

Including Maybach, a total of six passenger car brands are now owned by the DaimlerChrysler Group: Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, smart, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge.

Maybach: Inventor of the first Mercedes and 'king of design engineers'
Even at the beginning of the last century -- when motor cars were in their early infancy -- the name of Maybach was closely associated with the still relatively new Mercedes brand. In 1900 Wilhelm Maybach, technical director at Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and long-time companion of Gottlieb Daimler, developed the first Mercedes; with its front-mounted aluminium engine, twin camshafts and advanced-design honeycomb radiator, it was a milestone in automotive engineering of the day and paved the way for all modern passenger cars. That is why in France the inventor of these developments became respectfully known as 'roi des constructeurs' -- king of the design engineers.

In April 1907 Wilhelm Maybach left the company in Stuttgart and devoted his efforts to the design of large engines for Graf Zeppelin's airships. His company 'Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau GmbH' later became 'MTÚ Friedrichshafen'; today, this company belongs to the MTÚ/Diesel Engines unit of DaimlerChrysler.

In 1921 Maybach's son Karl began production of luxurious and technically perfect motor cars at Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance. His flagship was the powerful twelve-cylinder model, the Maybach Zeppelin DS 8, the biggest German luxury car of the 1930s. Maybach body shells were manufactured by renowned German specialists, based on individual customer requirements. Hence, every Maybach was a unique creation, reflecting the individual style of its owner; no two cars were alike.

Individuality: Each Maybach Saloon a unique, valuable object

Detailed attention to every single customer and the fulfilment of the most demanding individual requirements will be given priority. For this reason, Maybach saloons will not be designed by referring to a catalogue or to a list of standard equipment; instead, a detailed exchange of ideas will first take place between the customer and a customer consultant. The customer can choose from a unique range of the finest materials, exclusive colours and innovative technical details, ranging from individually designed trim, through inlaid work, to high-specification business equipment in the rear. This means that every example of the new Maybach is a unique, valuable, custom-made piece.

A purpose-built Maybach service centre is planned in Sindelfingen, with the laying of the foundation stone taking place this year. This service centre is to function as a 'Centre of Excellence' and will serve as a model for other special Maybach consultancy centres to be set up by DaimlerChrysler in certain countries. All these centres will be in close contact with the Maybach 'Manufaktur' and the development centre in Sindelfingen, so that designers and engineers can be involved in the individual design process of the luxury saloons at any time.

Manufacture at the DaimlerChrysler site in Sindelfingen is thus in keeping with the high standards associated with the brand. It provides the flexibility needed to fulfil individual equipment requirements and ensures crafted perfection of the highest order. No more than seven cars a day will be produced at the Maybach 'Manufaktur'.

Technology: Innovations for the future, ࠬa Mercedes-Benz


In addition to the greatest possible individuality, aesthetic appeal and precision, the new luxury car brand in the DaimlerChrysler Group is banking on its technical supremacy -- and is here also in line with the tradition of the legendary Maybach saloon cars of the 1930s.

Development work on the Maybach is in the hands of the best engineers at the Mercedes Technology Center (MTC) in Sindelfingen, which means that the new brand benefits from a smooth transfer of expertise. In important areas such as safety, reliability, functionality and long service life, the Maybach also offers tried-and-tested Mercedes qualities.

The range of models: Two body variants with V12 engine available


Maybach customers can choose between two body variants. In the chauffeur-model saloon with its long wheelbase, they can enjoy unequalled quantities of space and matchless comfort. Rear-seat passengers can adjust their individual seats to a comfortable reclining position, thus ensuring a particularly relaxed ride thanks to automatically extending leg and footrests.

A newly developed V12 engine with bi-turbo-charging works away under the luxury car's bonnet, providing superior performance while at the same time meeting the high comfort requirements of the new car brand.

Manufacture: Flexible manufacturing of between 1000 and 1500 luxury cars a year

The Maybach 'Manufaktur' will come on-stream in autumn 2002, with the capability to produce up to 1500 Saloons a year in flexible manufacture. The biggest markets for the luxury car are the ÚSA, western Europe and Japan.

Source - DaimlerChrysler Media

There will be two body lengths - 6.16 metres and 5.72. Maybach plans to build 1,000 of its cars a year. Key markets around the world include North America, Europe, Asia and the Gulf States.