Employees celebrate 125! Years of the inventor of the automobile: “Anniversary Night” at the Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim plant

Stuttgart – It was one of the highlights of the 125th anniversary celebrations. Birthday of the automobile: the celebration for employees and their families at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Untertürkheim. Around 90,000 guests accepted the invitation to the “Anniversary Night”.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, thanked the employees in a video message: “The main plant in Untertürkheim is not only the origin of mobility. The people who work here are the engine for progress, for the economy and for the region in the country. This is where the pioneering spirit is at home.”

Peter Schabert, Head of the Untertürkheim plant, opened the anniversary celebrations at the plant in the afternoon: “Untertürkheim and its workforce have been the heart of the company for over a hundred years. Today, we would like to thank our employees for their passion and ongoing commitment. We look forward to a continued successful future.”

Along Mercedesstrasse at the Untertürkheim plant, a varied stage and street program was on offer from 3 p.m. until late into the night. The employees and their relatives were kept on the move by a variety of participatory activities: physical commitment and vocal skills were required, whether at the Tango Argentino workshop with “Enrique y Judita” or at the talent competition “Untertürkheim is looking for the Daimler stars”. Even the little ones had plenty of opportunities to let off steam: Games and action were provided, whether at the go-kart track or at the puppet theater. At the knowledge quiz at 12 mini-cinemas the grey cells were in demand. There were three high-quality bikes from the MB Collection to be won. In the Genius workshop “Alternative Drives – Fuel Cells”, young explorers experimented with miniature vehicles of the future, while guests were able to test drive the current smart electric drive or the Vito E-CELL on the driveway to see for themselves how suitable they are for everyday use. Another fast-paced driving experience was offered during bus rides in the steep-wall curve on the entry lane.

In cooperation with Südwestrundfunk, the factory was transformed into a festival site with five stages for one day. There was something to suit every musical taste: On the “Daimler” main stage below the skyscraper, SWR comedian Andreas Müller ensured a good mood. The “Fangio” stage on the opposite side featured a tribute to 70s and 80s disco hits. On the “Mercedes” stage, the SWR1 band played songs that had been selected in advance in an employee hit parade. The “Maybach Stage” was the destination for numerous Schlager fans, while the younger generation competed in a talent contest on the “Benz” stage to be crowned the “Daimler Star”. With Frida Gold and Laith Al-Deen, top-class artists provided for enthusiastic spectators. Later in the evening, an artistic light and laser show on the skyscraper amazed the audience. The party went on until after midnight.