MaybachMotorenbau

Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH was a German engine and later automobile manufacturer. It was founded in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl Maybach. Initially, the company focused on developing and producing engines for airships, submarines, and later for military vehicles.

During World War I, Maybach was a significant supplier of engines for the German war effort. After the war, the company shifted its focus to luxury automobiles, aiming to compete with other high-end manufacturers of the era. The first Maybach automobiles were produced in 1921. These cars were known for their advanced engineering, powerful engines, and luxurious appointments, often featuring V12 engines and custom-built bodies.

Maybach cars gained a reputation for exclusivity and performance, catering to wealthy clientele. The company produced models such as the W3, W6, and Zeppelin. However, the economic hardships of the Great Depression and the outbreak of World War II severely impacted the company. During World War II, Maybach production was again redirected towards military engines, particularly for tanks and armored vehicles.

After the war, Maybach struggled to re-establish itself in the automotive market. The company ceased automobile production in the 1950s and continued to produce engines and industrial equipment. In 1960, the company was acquired by Daimler-Benz AG (now Daimler AG). While the Maybach name remained dormant for several decades, it was revived in the early 2000s as a ultra-luxury automotive brand under DaimlerChrysler, later Daimler AG, producing a new generation of high-end vehicles before its eventual discontinuation.