1. Short version
2. CL 65 AMG
3. CLK 63 AMG Black Series
4. 40 Years of AMG
5. Company and positioning
6. AMG milestones
7. Chronology

40 Years of AMG: From a two-man start-up to a global business

Stuttgart, May 08, 2007
From its beginnings 40 years ago as a specialist motorsport and tuning firm, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has grown into a supplier of exclusive high-performance cars with some 750 employees, an extensive model range comprising 18 different AMG cars, customers across the world and a brand name which has gained a high level of recognition.

The company was founded on June 1, 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht (A) and his partner Erhard Melcher (M); the third letter in the company name (G) came from Aufrecht's birthplace, Großaspach. The two men officially described themselves as "Engineering, construction and testing specialists in the development of racing engines". The firm was based in an old mill in Burgstall (near Affalterbach).

Breakthrough in 1971 with second place at the 24 Hours of Spa

In the early years of the company, its founders concentrated on building racing cars based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE and competing in European touring car races. They did not have to wait long for their breakthrough: a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG finished a surprising second overall at the 24 Hours of Spa in 1971 in Belgium, winning its class at the same time. The 315-kW/428-hp racing saloon was driven alternately by Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz.

This historic victory was followed by countless successes at all manner of motorsport arenas: AMG took the DTM team title no less than five times. Bernd Schneider, Gary Paffett and Klaus Ludwig collected a total of eight DTM titles, with Schneider also taking the ITC (International Touring Car Championship) title. It was Bernd Schneider again, at the wheel of the Affalterbach team's CLK-GTR, who took the drivers' title in the inaugural FIA GT Championship in 1997, a success repeated by Klaus Ludwig and Ricardo Zonta the following year when they also won the constructors' title for Team AMG Mercedes – the CLK-GTR won all eleven races of the season. In the current 2007 DTM season, Bernd Schneider - who already has a record-breaking five titles to his name – is committed to doing everything he can to defend his 2006 championship title in the all-new AMG Mercedes C-Class.

Outstanding technological achievements boost business

AMG's success was to spread far beyond the world of international motorsport. By the 1970s, customers were beginning to acquire a taste for more individuality in their cars, a trend which the Swabian company used to develop its business. The transfer of technology from motorsport to series-production development was already an integral part of the company's philosophy. AMG's ability to deliver outstanding technological achievements and first-class quality as a result of its involvement in motorsport meant that the company quickly made a name for itself and became highly respected. As a result of the aims which it had set itself, AMG soon became one of the pioneers in the refinement and tuning of premium vehicles. The strong demand for refined and tuned Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the 1970s led to a steady increase in the number of orders received by AMG. The company outgrew its base in Burgstall and moved to Affalterbach in 1976. As the first Mercedes-Benz tuning company, AMG developed into a model for an entire branch of the automotive industry. The company's impact was evident at the 1981 Frankfurt Motor Show, where a total of 176 exhibitors were involved in tuning and accessories for the Mercedes-Benz brand. An important event in the history of AMG was the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 190 in 1982. The compact saloon soon became a favourite with German car tuners and helped AMG to tap into a whole new clientele.

AMG opens its second plant and the workforce grows to 100

AMG continued to expand: the company opened its second plant in 1985 and took on its 100th employee. Customers from all over the world began to come to Affalterbach, among them prominent figures from the spheres of motorsport, film, music, sport and business, not to mention royalty. Time and again, the extremely specialised requirements of these highly discerning customers resulted in exceptional projects, which AMG was always able to bring to fruition thanks to its unerring passion and expertise. As an industry pioneer and trendsetter, AMG was able to draw on its ever-expanding wealth of experience to great effect. Ignoring short-lived fads, the company was already committed to its vision of securing – and maintaining – the position of world leader in its sector in terms of technology, design, sales and earnings.

Cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG in 1990

One of the key milestones in the history of AMG came in 1990, with the signing of the cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG. Demand and customer acceptance were given a tremendous boost now that AMG products could be sold and maintained through Mercedes-Benz' worldwide network of company-owned sales and service outlets and dealerships. Further expansion led to the opening of a third plant in 1990 and an increase in the workforce to 400 employees. In 1993, the company unveiled the Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG, the first jointly developed vehicle to result from the cooperation agreement. In another development the same year, the Patent Office recognised AMG as a trademark as the name was now so well known.

Incorporation into the DaimlerChrysler Group in 1999

Hans Werner Aufrecht transferred a majority stake in the steadily growing company to DaimlerChrysler AG on January 1, 1999. On January 1, 2005 DaimlerChrysler acquired 100 per cent of the shares. This allowed the newly founded Mercedes-AMG GmbH to benefit to an even greater extent from the Group's resources and global standing. Also in 1999, the motorsport department was transferred to company founder Hans Werner Aufrecht's firm H.W.A. GmbH (now H.W.A. AG). Located in close proximity to Mercedes-AMG GmbH, some 200 staff now work there together with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport to manage the two companies' long-standing involvement in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM).

Involvement in Formula 1 with the official F1™ safety car

Mercedes-AMG has been an important part of the safety concept in Formula 1 for over ten years. The official F1 safety car is based on the CLK 63 AMG whilst also providing the technological blueprint for the new CLK 63 AMG Black Series. The C 55 AMG Estate, meanwhile, provides the basis for the official F1™ medical car. The decades of experience acquired in touring car and GT racing played a key role in the development of these two extra-special AMG vehicles.

Opening of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in 2006

The opening of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in 2006 marked the start of a new initiative to appeal to customers on a most individual level. In addition to the AMG high-performance cars available through the global Mercedes-Benz sales organisation, the PERFORMANCE STUDIO develops and produces special series of AMG vehicles in exclusive numbers. Offered as the Signature Series, Black Series and Editions, these uniquely special models stand out by virtue of their outstanding handling, race-track capability, distinctive technical and visual features or their exclusive equipment details, depending on the particular model in question. Apart from the new CLK 63 AMG Black Series, the latest product from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO is the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, a purist's lightweight version equipped with an AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine delivering 294 kW/400 hp, plus numerous components from the world of motorsport. As well as focussing on particularly compelling AMG vehicles, the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO also attends to customers' individual requests – a traditional forte of Mercedes-AMG. These special requirements can take the form of specific technical modifications, such as AMG sports suspension systems, AMG high-performance brake systems, AMG wheel/tyre combinations, limited-slip differentials and customised interior appointments, as well as bespoke one-off models.

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	Mercedes-Benz starts the 2007 DTM season with the new AMG Mercedes C-Class.
	Mercedes-Benz starts the 2007 DTM season with the new AMG Mercedes C-Class.
	Mercedes-Benz starts the 2007 DTM season with the new AMG Mercedes C-Class.
	Mercedes-Benz starts the 2007 DTM season with the new AMG Mercedes C-Class.
	Mercedes-Benz starts the 2007 DTM season with the new AMG Mercedes C-Class.
	The 500 SEC AMG competes at the 1989 24 hour race in Spa-Francorchamps.
	The 500 SEC AMG competes at the 1989 24 hour race in Spa-Francorchamps.
	In 1994 the newly developed AMG-Mercedes-Benz C-Class replaces the 190 E in the DTM.
	In 1994 the newly developed AMG-Mercedes-Benz C-Class replaces the 190 E in the DTM.
	In 1990 AMG starts in the DTM with the 190 E 2.5-16 Evo II.
	In 1990 AMG starts in the DTM with the 190 E 2.5-16 Evo II.
	The 450 SLC AMG wins the Touring Car Race on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in 1980.
	The 450 SLC AMG wins the Touring Car Race on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in 1980.
	Milestones of motorsport
	Milestones of motorsport
	Milestones of motorsport
	40 years of AMG have seen numerous race wins and outstanding technological achievements in the development of high-performance vehicles.
	40 years of AMG have seen numerous race wins and outstanding technological achievements in the development of high-performance vehicles.
	Shortly after the launch of the new SL-Class Mercedes-AMG presents the SL 55 AMG at the IAA in Frankfurt.
	The C 36 AMG, launched in 1993 was the first vehicle jointly-developed as a result of the cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG.
	The most powerful roadster in the world was launched in 1999 - the SL 73 AMG.
	20 years ago AMG succeeded in giving a saloon car sports-car performance with the 300 E 6.0.
	The C 36 AMG, launched in 1993 was the first vehicle jointly-developed as a result of the cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG.
	The C 36 AMG, launched in 1993 was the first vehicle jointly-developed as a result of the cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG.
	The most powerful roadster in the world was launched in 1999 - the SL 73 AMG.
	The most powerful roadster in the world was launched in 1999 - the SL 73 AMG.
	The E 50 AMG was launched in 1996, in close cooperation with Mercedes-Benz.
	The E 50 AMG was launched in 1996, in close cooperation with Mercedes-Benz.
	The E 50 AMG was launched in 1996, in close cooperation with Mercedes-Benz.
	Shortly after the launch of the new SL-Class Mercedes-AMG presents the SL 55 AMG at the IAA in Frankfurt.
	Shortly after the launch of the new SL-Class Mercedes-AMG presents the SL 55 AMG at the IAA in Frankfurt.
	20 years ago AMG succeeded in giving a saloon car sports-car performance with the 300 E 6.0.
	20 years ago AMG succeeded in giving a saloon car sports-car performance with the 300 E 6.0.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The transfer from motorsport can be clearly seen in the interior of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The transfer from motorsport can be clearly seen in the interior of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine with 373 kW/507 hp, upgraded by 19 kW/26hp, accelerates the CLK 63 AMG Black Series from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The transfer from motorsport can be clearly seen in the interior of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is based on the Official F1 TM Safety Car. Its uprated V8 engine, the newly constructed axles, the AMG threaded sports suspension and the AMG highperformance brake system guarantee driving dynamics on the highest level.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series: The AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine with 373 kW/507 hp, upgraded by 19 kW/26hp, accelerates the CLK 63 AMG Black Series from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
	Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series Power Output Graph
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG with Exterior Carbon Package: The exterior carbon package consists of the front apron deflectors, the wing mirror housings and the diffuser applications in the rear apron.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG with Exterior Carbon Package: The exterior carbon package consists of the front apron deflectors, the wing mirror housings and the diffuser applications in the rear apron.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG with Exterior Carbon Package: The exterior carbon package consists of the front apron deflectors, the wing mirror housings and the diffuser applications in the rear apron.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG with Exterior Carbon Package: The exterior carbon package consists of the front apron deflectors, the wing mirror housings and the diffuser applications in the rear apron.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG with Exterior Carbon Package: The exterior carbon package consists of the front apron deflectors, the wing mirror housings and the diffuser applications in the rear apron.
	The new top model CL 65 AMG impresses with exquisite appointments, state-of-the-art technology from motorsport and top-level dynamism.
	The new top model CL 65 AMG impresses with exquisite appointments, state-of-the-art technology from motorsport and top-level dynamism.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG with Exterior Carbon Package: The exterior carbon package consists of the front apron deflectors, the wing mirror housings and the diffuser applications in the rear apron.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG with Exterior Carbon Package: The exterior carbon package consists of the front apron deflectors, the wing mirror housings and the diffuser applications in the rear apron.
	Mercedes Benz CL 65 AMG: The interior of the V12 performance coupe is both dynamic and uses the finest materials.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG: Outstanding driving performance is guaranteed by the AMG 6.0 litre V12 bi-turbo engine with 450 kW/612 hp and 1000 Nm of torque.
	The new top model CL 65 AMG impresses with exquisite appointments, state-of-the-art technology from motorsport and top-level dynamism.
	The new top model CL 65 AMG impresses with exquisite appointments, state-of-the-art technology from motorsport and top-level dynamism.
	The new top model CL 65 AMG impresses with exquisite appointments, state-of-the-art technology from motorsport and top-level dynamism.
	The new top model CL 65 AMG impresses with exquisite appointments, state-of-the-art technology from motorsport and top-level dynamism.
	The new top model CL 65 AMG impresses with exquisite appointments, state-of-the-art technology from motorsport and top-level dynamism.
	The new top model CL 65 AMG impresses with exquisite appointments, state-of-the-art technology from motorsport and top-level dynamism.
	The new top model CL 65 AMG impresses with exquisite appointments, state-of-the-art technology from motorsport and top-level dynamism.
	Mercedes Benz CL 65 AMG: The interior of the V12 performance coupe is both dynamic and uses the finest materials.
	Mercedes Benz CL 65 AMG: The interior of the V12 performance coupe is both dynamic and uses the finest materials.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary”: Even more exclusive appointments such as the AMG Alubeam paint and carbon diffuser on the rear apron characterise the limited edition CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary”. Only 40 such models are to be produced.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary”: Even more exclusive appointments such as the AMG Alubeam paint and carbon diffuser on the rear apron characterise the limited edition CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary”. Only 40 such models are to be produced.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary”: Even more exclusive appointments such as the AMG Alubeam paint and carbon diffuser on the rear apron characterise the limited edition CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary”. Only 40 such models are to be produced.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary”: Even more exclusive appointments such as the AMG Alubeam paint and carbon diffuser on the rear apron characterise the limited edition CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary”. Only 40 such models are to be produced.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary”: The CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary“ features a two-tone EXCLUSIVE PASSION all-nappa leather upholstery with a new AMG V12 diamond pattern.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary”: The CL 65 AMG “40th Anniversary“ features a two-tone EXCLUSIVE PASSION all-nappa leather upholstery with a new AMG V12 diamond pattern.
	Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG Power Output Graph

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