AMG | The History
The Beginning
A like Aufrecht, M like Melcher and G as Großaspach - the names behind these three letters are the starting point for a rapid development from two-man operation to a global brand. The story begins in the 1960s: The two engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher work in the development department of Daimler-Benz on the 300 SE racing engine - until the group stops all motorsport activities.
But the hearts of Aufrecht and Melcher continue beating for racing. In Aufrecht's house in Großaspach, they continue to improve the performance of the engine in their free time. In 1965, Manfred Schiek, a colleague from Daimler, starts with the 300 SE prepared by Aufrecht and Melcher at the German Touring Car Championship - and wins ten times! Schiek's Triumph establishes the reputation of Aufrecht and Melcher as experts for the support and performance optimization of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
However, reputation is not enough for Aufrecht: his plan is to offer road vehicles based on successful racing cars. At the end of 1966 he quits Mercedes and persuades Melcher to venture together to become self-employed. In 1967 they founded the "Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach Ingenieurbüro, Design and Attempt to Develop Racing Engines". Company headquarters is a former mill in the neighbouring Burgstall. Soon, the revised engines are a must have for private racing teams.
The first sporting milestone in the annals was the 24-hour race at Spa in 1971: class victory and second place in the overall standings for the AMG Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8. A heavy luxury sedan dupes the lighter race car competition - the sensation was perfect and the name AMG goes around the world.
The Growth
The success at Spa is followed by years of growth, during which AMG equips more and more Mercedes models with performance technology. In the early 1970s, a new discipline was developed: individualization. "Does not work" becomes a NoGo word for the Mercedes-AMG team and remains so today. This attractive business unit makes AMG grow into a medium-sized company that increasingly serves foreign customers. In 1976, Mercedes-AMG moved to Affalterbach with about a dozen employees in a custom-built workshop-building with some office space.
With an innovation AMG 1984 becomes the engine manufacturer: Melcher develops a completely independent cylinder head with four-valve technology. 1986 AMG implanted the 5.0-liter V8 in a coupe of the E-Class, which gained world fame under the nickname "The Hammer" - until today in the US a primeval symbol of the myth AMG. At the end of the 1980s, AMG and Daimler-Benz are approaching - initially as an official motorsport partner: the highlight of this time is the success story of the 190-series. The racing car used by AMG with factory support runs a total of 50 DTM victories from 1988 to 1993.
Today
Currently, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has more than 1,100 employees at the Affalterbach site. The pursuit of maximum performance, precision and efficiency is part of the professional identity at AMG. Every Mercedes-AMG high-performance automobile promises outstanding performance, fascinating driving pleasure and top quality down to the smallest detail. As part of the "AMG Performance 50" strategy, each new Mercedes-AMG model aims to become market leader in terms of fuel consumption and emissions. Many Mercedes-AMG vehicles are already "best in class" in terms of fuel consumption, emissions, maximum output and torque.
An extensive range of vehicles
The Mercedes-AMG model range is now not only larger and more diverse than ever before, but is also tailored to the diverse needs and requirements of customers. The range includes 40+ Mercedes-AMG high-performance vehicles with a power range from 270 kW (367 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp). The selection ranges from saloons, coupes and SUVs to roadsters and the Mercedes-AMG GT, the first vehicle developed independently by Mercedes-AMG. Each AMG is a 360-degree performance car and fascinates with its unique power development, beguiling engine sound, excellent handling and direct driving experience. The proverbial exclusivity is as much a matter of course as the highest quality and technical precision. In short: All Mercedes-AMG models embody the engineering and craftsmanship typical of AMG.
Commitment in motorsport with Formula 1, DTM and customer sport
The racing-born performance brand Mercedes-AMG has been at home on the track for decades - from its successful involvement in the popular DTM, the two-time FIA GT World Champion title to its commitment to customer motorsport at the highest level with the SLS AMG GT3.
Mercedes-AMG is the most successful brand in the history of the DTM. In 2012 Ralf Schumacher and Jamie Green compete in the DTM Mercedes-AMG C-Coupé.
With the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS team and the engine manufacturer MERCEDES-AMG High Performance Powertrains, the AMG brand has also been represented in Formula 1 since the 2012 season. In addition, since 1996 AMG has been continuously providing both the Formula 1 Safety Car and the Formula 1 Medical Car.