At the dawn of the software-defined vehicle, it’s easy to think that the most modern models don’t rely on the past for design or technology influence, but that is not the case. The technology-rich, digitized vehicles of today have one wheel in today and another in yesterday.
“Generally speaking, it is believed that technology has the potential to enhance both an individual’s life and society at large,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, who serves as the Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Heritage.
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“Many individuals today claim to support scientific advice when they say ‘listen to the science,’ yet they remain highly doubtful regarding technology. This skepticism is seen as misguided and counterproductive, in my modest view, since it overlooks how essential both science and technology have been to achieving what we consider a decent quality of life. If we look at human history overall, the comfortable existence we enjoy now largely exists due to advancements in science and innovative technologies designed to improve daily living conditions,” he stated.
The key driver behind technological progress is what grounds Mercedes-Benz and propels it towards the future. During his extensive career with the company, where he served multiple positions such as CEO for both its Canadian and British divisions, Breitschwerdt refers to Mercedes-Benz as an “engineering firm.” This entity prioritizes developing cutting-edge technologies and leveraging these innovations to solve problems.
These origins trace back to the founding of the company more than a century ago. Breitschwerdt noted that Mercedes-Benz created the lightweight, compact, high-speed internal combustion engine. He stated, “This engine is the progenitor of all contemporary vehicles due to its weight efficiency, rapid operation. It provides both torque and velocity, enabling effective movement.”
Recently, the automaker presented its latest CLA sedan, which features advanced powertrain technology known for unparalleled efficiency within the sector. This connection was highlighted by the company’s Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer during the vehicle’s launch event in Rome, emphasizing how this model stays true to the brand’s heritage.
Breitschwerdt said that “pioneer spirit” is just the beginning. High-quality builds that were executed with precision to stand the test of time were the other part of the equation that has helped Mercedes-Benz retain its prominence in the market for decades. “If you look into our cars, you see the idea is not to be out fashioned next year or five years from now. So you can look into our classic cars, they are still all absolutely fitting into the current world. There’s nothing embarrassing. There’s nothing which is outdated or actually not attractive,” he said.
The Mercedes-Benz cars of yesterday can be seen at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, and the company keeps collections at its Classic Centers in Long Beach, California and Fellbach, Germany, which are located near key Mercedes-Benz design and engineering hubs.
“I show people all these cars, and they are outstanding. But then I try to drill down, to boil it down to such principles, and to tell them [what made these models great], this is still alive [within Mercedes-Benz]. The same values are still alive. We are still going for it. We are still pushing it, we are still kind of burning for it… That’s the real heritage,” Breitschwerdt said.
Ford’s Heritage Fleet delivers inspiration for the future as well. “More than just a collection of classic vehicles, our Heritage Fleet is a living archive of
Ford
“It tells the tales of those who established this corporation, the revolutionary advancements that marked different periods, the innovative designs that captivated minds, and the victories on the racetrack that nurtured our drive for competition. Through their deep engagement with this extensive heritage, our team members discover the creative impetus required to develop the future lineup of Ford cars, guaranteeing that our tradition of innovation remains vibrant,” as stated by Ted Ryan, Ford’s Archives and Heritage Brand Manager.
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“The Our Heritage Fleet goes beyond being merely a museum; it serves as an abundant source of inspiration for our design team and engineers. Through their examination of these historically significant models, innovative technical answers, and lasting principles embedded within them, they gain insights that lead to developing cars which cater to future needs while keeping alive the essence of Ford’s illustrious history,” he stated.
Automakers frequently weave models of the past into their storytelling when a new version arrives. It doesn’t take stepping inside a gallery for the enthusiast to see that Nissan’s latest iteration of the Z sports car is chock full of throwback design. In fact, when it was introduced in 2021, design head Alfonso Albiasa spent nearly as much time talking about its links to the past as he did the just-revealed version of the car.
In 2022, Ford showcased the upcoming generation of the Mustang with a detailed retrospective on all previous iterations of the iconic car.
Moreover, despite the futuristic focus of the Mercedes-Benz CLA launch presentation in Rome last month, it also offered numerous nods to the brand’s rich history.
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