Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH, founded by Wilhelm Maybach (pronounced "my-ba:h") and his son Karl, was a German manufacturer of engines for zeppelins and later large and luxurious automobiles. The company has historic roots through the involvement of its founder who was the technical director of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (Daimler Motor Company). Today, based in Stuttgart, the brand is owned by DaimlerChrysler. Between 1921 and 1940, the company produced various classic opulent vehicles.
During World War II, design and production was redirected to military applications - Maybach designed and/or produced the engines of many German military vehicles and German armored fighting vehicles such as the PzKpfw IV, Tiger I and the Panther.
The company also built heavy duty diesel engines for Marine and Rail purposes. Famous locomotives with Maybach engines include the German V200 and British Rail Class 52 'Westerns'
In 1960, Daimler-Benz acquired a majority shareholding. Six years later, Maybach-Motorenbau was merged with the heavy-duty engine arm of Daimler-Benz to form a new company, Maybach Mercedes-Benz Motorenbau GmbH. In 1969 this became MTU Friedrichshafen.
[image]Maybach was revived as a brand in the early 2000s under the direction of Mercedes-Benz, with the production of a new model in two variations - the Maybach 57 and the Maybach 62 (the numbers are equal to the lengths of the automobiles in decimetres). The prices range from US$305,000 to $357,000; they are priced to directly compete with top-of-the-range Bentley and Rolls-Royce automobiles. In 2005, the new 57S has been added, sporting a more powerful engine and cosmetic touches that provides a sporty image.
| [image] Members and holdings of DaimlerChrysler : |
| Mercedes Car Group: Global Electric Microcars (GEM) | Maybach | Mercedes-Benz | smart |
| Chrysler Group: Chrysler Corporation | Dodge | Jeep | Plymouth (discontinued in 2001) | Eagle (discontinued in 1998) |
| Commercial Vehicle Brands: Freightliner | Mercedes-Benz | Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation | Setra | Sterling Trucks | Western Star |
| Participations in: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation | EADS | Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation | Freightliner, LLC | Hyundai Motor Company |