For more than a century and four decades, Mercedes-Benz has remained at the forefront of automotive innovation, shaping the evolution of mobility since Carl Benz patented the world’s first automobile in 1886. As the iconic brand marks its 140th anniversary, it is commemorating a legacy defined by groundbreaking engineering, luxury, and a relentless commitment to customer excellence.

The milestone is being celebrated globally through the “140 Years. 140 Places.” campaign, an ambitious journey that began on January 29, 2026, in Stuttgart, Germany. Traveling across six continents aboard the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the initiative brings the brand’s rich heritage directly to customers and enthusiasts around the world. Malaysia is among the select destinations chosen to host this landmark celebration.

According to Martin Schulz, CEO and President of Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia and Head of Region for Mercedes-Benz Cars Southeast Asia, the anniversary represents more than a celebration of the company’s achievements. It reflects the enduring passion, precision, and purpose that have driven the brand for generations. Through the “140 Years. 140 Places.” journey, Mercedes-Benz aims to share its remarkable story while strengthening the meaningful connections it has built with customers over the decades.

As part of the festivities, the House of Mercedes-Benz at KLCC Square welcomed visitors on May 30 and 31 for an immersive showcase titled “140 Places. 140 Years. One Celebration in Kuala Lumpur.” The event brought together automotive enthusiasts, customers, and members of the public to experience the brand’s past, present, and future.

One of the major attractions was the debut of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a model that continues to set benchmarks in the luxury sedan segment. Featuring extensive enhancements, with more than half of its components newly developed or significantly refined, the flagship model embodies the brand’s commitment to technological advancement and premium craftsmanship. Highlights include a larger illuminated grille, the advanced Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), the immersive MBUX Superscreen, and the renowned AIRMATIC suspension system, all designed to elevate comfort and digital connectivity.

The celebration also featured a display of classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles alongside high-performance Mercedes-AMG models, providing visitors with a glimpse into the marque’s storied history. Motorsport enthusiasts were treated to a rare viewing of the Mercedes MGP W01 Formula One car, a machine that holds special significance as the first F1 car born from the partnership between PETRONAS and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

That collaboration has become one of Formula One’s most successful alliances, producing eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships between 2014 and 2021. For Malaysia, the display was particularly meaningful given PETRONAS’ role as both title and technical partner to the championship-winning team.

The relationship between Mercedes-Benz and Malaysia stretches back well over a century. Historical accounts suggest that the Sultan of Johor was among the earliest owners of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle in Malaya, laying the foundation for a long-standing connection between the brand and the nation.

Official sales operations began in 1951 through Cycle & Carriage, while local automotive production took a significant step forward in 1968 with the assembly of passenger vehicles. A major milestone followed in 1983 when Malaysia became the first country outside Germany to assemble the prestigious S-Class, producing the Mercedes-Benz 380 SE and further cementing its place within the brand’s global manufacturing network.

The establishment of the Pekan production facility in 2004 reinforced Malaysia’s strategic importance to Mercedes-Benz. In recent years, the country has continued to play a growing role in the company’s regional operations. Notable achievements include the rollout of the first locally assembled Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle, the EQS 500 4MATIC, in 2023 and the production of the 100,000th Mercedes-Benz passenger car at the Pekan plant.

Malaysia’s contribution now extends beyond manufacturing. Through Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Asia-Pacific and Mercedes-Benz Tech Malaysia, the country has become a key hub for regional logistics and digital innovation, supporting the brand’s expanding footprint across the Asia-Pacific region.

Today, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia works closely with its six retail partners to deliver premium ownership experiences nationwide. This customer-centric approach is further strengthened through initiatives such as Agility+ and Young Star Agility+, flexible financing programmes designed to make both new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz models more accessible.

As Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140 years of innovation, the occasion serves not only as a reflection of its remarkable past but also as a vision of its future. With a legacy built on pioneering technology, luxury, and enduring customer relationships, the brand continues to redefine what mobility means while inviting customers around the world to feel a true sense of belonging—its enduring promise of “Welcome Home.”