You may have been following the turmoil which has unfolded at German automaker Daimler AG as of late with regards to a proposed name-change in light of the sale of their Chrysler group earlier this year.
According to Automotive News, the newly renamed Daimler AG will cal its passenger car business Mercedes-Benz Cars. The news was given to shareholders Thursday by CEO Dieter Zetsche. Shareholders had been summoned to approve a name-change to Daimler AG to DaimlerChrysler after the sale. Trouble is, the new name didn't reflect pioneer Carl Benz's involvement in the company. Benz's name was added to the Daimler name in 1926, where it remained until 7 years ago when it was replaced by Chrysler's on the corporate masthead. Zetsche reportedly insisted that Daimler had to be the name of the group, but said there was still plenty of room to honor Benz. "The proud name of Benz will not only remain prominent, it will have significantly higher visibility. The group name Daimler clearly indicates that we are writing a new chapter of our history, while at the same time continuing our tradition as the inventor of the automobile," Zetsche said.
photo: Mercedes-Benz Cars