Mercedes-AMG

On June 1, 1967, two former Mercedes engineers, Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, set up shop in Burgstall an der Murr, Germany. They called their company AMG, initials drawn from Aufrecht, Melcher, and the town of Großaspach where Aufrecht was born. The pair specialized in tuning Mercedes-Benz cars for racing and high performance, and their first major success came when a 300 SEL 6.3 they modified won its class in the 1971 24 Hours of Spa. That victory put AMG on the map and began a decades-long partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

In 1990, Mercedes-Benz signed a formal cooperation agreement with AMG, and by 1999 DaimlerChrysler had acquired a controlling 51 percent stake. Full ownership followed in 2005, making AMG the official in-house high-performance division. Today, AMG produces performance versions of nearly every Mercedes-Benz model, from the compact A-Class to the full-size GLS SUV. Each engine is hand-assembled by a single technician under the one man, one engine philosophy, a practice that emphasizes craftsmanship and exclusivity. AMG models are distinguished by aggressive styling, increased power output, track-tuned suspension, and premium interior appointments.

AMG also maintains a strong motorsport presence. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team has won multiple constructors' and drivers' championships, reinforcing the brand's racing pedigree. In recent years, AMG has begun transitioning to electrification, launching plug-in hybrid models like the AMG GT 63 S E Performance and developing fully electric performance vehicles under the Mercedes-EQ sub-brand. Headquartered in Affalterbach, Germany, AMG operates as a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and competes directly with BMW M and Audi Sport in the high-performance luxury segment. [edit]