may 05, 2019 - Mercedes-Benz

Debut of the Benz Motor “Velocipede” 125 years ago in April 1894

In April of 1894, 125 years ago, Benz & Cie. introduces the first small car – the Benz Motor Velocipede. The name is later colloquially abbreviated to “Benz Velo”. The type family enjoys great success in Germany and in other European countries. With some 1,200 vehicles delivered to customers by 1902, it quickly becomes the world’s first mass-produced automobile.

The Benz Motor Velocipede makes its debut 125 years ago in April 1894: a small, lightweight (280 kilograms) car with a recumbent, single-cylinder engine rated to 1.1 kW (1.5 hp) that is also the very first small car. One of the most important innovations of the four-wheeled vehicle, which is synonymous with the #benzvelo abbreviation, is the double-pivot steering system further developed by Carl Benz. Benz files a patent application for this engineering solution on 28 February 1893, which is subsequently issued as patent DRP 73 515. The first double-pivot steering system becomes a physical reality in the same year when fitted to the Victoria and Vis-à-Vis models, which are significantly larger than the Velo that follows in 1894.

Further information in the press release to download