MAYBACH - German Luxury Car Manufacturer

THE HISTORY OF MAYBACH

MAYBACH Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH (IPA: [ˈmaɪ.bax]) (founded 1909) is a German luxury car manufacturer. It was founded in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach with his son Karl Maybach as director. The company was originally a subsidiary of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin/GmbH and was itself known as "Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau GmbH" (literally Airship Engine Company) until 1918. Today, the brand is owned by Daimler AG and based in Stuttgart. 1909-1940: EARLY HISTORY Maybach has historic roots through the involvement of Wilhelm Maybach, who was the technical director of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The company originally developed and manufactured diesel and gas engines for Zeppelins, and then rail cars. The company first built an experimental car in 1919, with the first car with the first production model introduced two years later at the Berlin Motor Show. Between 1921 and 1940, the company produced various classic opulent vehicles. The company also continued to build heavy duty diesel engines for marine and rail purposes. Maybach contributed to the German war effort in World War II by producing the engines for the formidable Panther and Tiger tank. After the war, the factory performed some repair work, but automotive production was never restarted, and some 20 years later, its operations were merged into the Daimler AG mainline operations. 1997-PRESENT: REVIVAL In 1997, Mercedes-Benz presented at the Tokyo Motorshow an ultra-luxury concept car under the name Mercedes-Benz Maybach (V12, 5987 cc, 550 hp). The concept was quite successful and Mercedes-Benz decided to develop it. Mercedes, however, made the decision to market the car under the sole brand Maybach. Maybach was therefore revived as a brand in the early 2000s, with the production of the new model in two sizes — the Maybach 57 and the Maybach 62 (the numbers are equal to the lengths of the automobiles in decimetres; the longer 62 allows rear occupants to recline fully in their seats). The prices range from 231,000 EUR ($346,500) to 300,000 EUR ($460,000). In 2005, the new 57S was added, sporting a more powerful engine (6.0L V12 bi-turbo), producing 604bhp (450kW) and 737lb·ft (999N·m) of torque) and cosmetic touches that provides a sporty image. When customers decide to order a Maybach they can go to Sindelfingen, the marque’s headquarters, (or meet over a video conference centre at a dealer in their own country) to specify every and any detail they desire. Many customers will personalise their cars with their initials or coats of arms. Maybach executives liken the experience to ordering a custom-built yacht or a personalized jet aircraft. Also, with a hand-crafted finish quality, and over two million equipment option combinations available, it is unlikely that two identical cars will ever leave the factory. The Maybach's main competitor is the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Given that most Maybach owners are chauffeured, owners especially appreciate the Maybach's highly adjustable rear seats with seat warmers, seat coolers, and massage features, none of which can be found in the Rolls Royce. MODELS Pre-war 1919 Maybach W1: Test car based on a Mercedes chassis 1921 Maybach W3: First Maybach, shown at Berlin Motor Show. Featured a 70hp (52kW) 5.7L inline six. 1926 Maybach W5: 7L inline six, 120hp (89kW) 1929 Maybach 12: V12 precursor to DS7/8 1930 Maybach DSH: Doppel-Sechs-Halbe ("half a twelve cylinder") 1930-37 1930 Maybach DS7 Zeppelin: 7L V12, 150hp (112kW) 1931 Maybach W6: Same engine as W5, longer wheelbase. 1931-33 1931 Maybach DS8 Zeppelin: 8L V12, 200hp (150kW) 1934 Maybach W6 DSG: Featuring a twin overdrive transmission system. 1935 Maybach SW35: 3.5L 140hp (104kW) I6 1936 Maybach SW38: 3.8L 140hp (104kW) I6 1939 Maybach SW42: 4.2L 140hp (104kW) I6 1945 Maybach JW61: 3.8L 145hp (108kW) I6 W2 were the 5.7L inline six engines built for and ordered by Spyker. Not all were purchased, and Karl had to build cars featuring the engines to offset costs. Around 1800 Maybachs were built before WW2. Post-revival 2002 Maybach 57 and 62 2005 Maybach Exelero (prototype shown at the IAA in Frankfurt) 2005 Maybach 57S (the S standing for Special rather than Sport) 2006 Maybach 62S 2007 Maybach 62 Landaulet (prototype) Future models Three new models are expected, a 4-seat coupe derived from the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, an ultra-luxury crossover SUV derived from the GL-Class, and a smaller sedan, which would be sold for $250,000. Recently, they announced that they will launch a Landaulet convertible like the Maybachs of old and this will be first shown in Dubai

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