As the automobile marked its 140th anniversary, competitors briefly set aside rivalry to acknowledge a shared history, though not without a little humor.
Rivals Hit Pause
In a break from the usual competitive jabs between Germany’s major automakers, Porsche publicly congratulated Mercedes-Benz on the 140th anniversary of the automobile. The occasion marked January 29, 1886, when Karl Benz secured the patent for the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, an event widely regarded as the birth of the modern car. Instead of rivalry, Porsche’s social media post emphasized shared history and cooperation between the brands.
Shared Roots in Stuttgart
Porsche’s Instagram tribute highlighted how deeply intertwined the companies’ histories are, both geographically and culturally. The message noted that the two companies share Stuttgart as their home and have long crossed paths through engineering partnerships and motorsport competition. Porsche wrote that both brands share “the visionary foundation of our pioneer” along with “the love for motorsports” and even the experience of winning major races and suffering setbacks along the way.
More Than Competition
The tribute also referenced tangible collaborations, including the Mercedes-Benz E 500 of the early 1990s, a sedan famously developed and assembled with Porsche’s involvement. Porsche summed up the sentiment by stating that both companies believe cars exist not only to move people physically but also emotionally, closing with a toast “to 140 years of the automobile and many more shared moments.”
Mercedes Responds
Mercedes-Benz responded in the comments with a measured but appreciative message: “Thanks for the kind words Porsche! Here’s to a future of continued innovation, always striving for the best – in our own unique ways.” The exchange stood out as a rare moment of public goodwill between brands more often defined by rivalry than partnership.
Industry Joins In
Mercedes received congratulatory posts from a wide range of automakers across the globe. Brands including Audi, Cadillac, Volvo, Xiaomi, Nio, XPeng, Geely, and Li Auto shared anniversary messages, with some tributes appearing primarily on Chinese platforms like Weibo rather than Western social media channels.
BMW Keeps It Playful
BMW, meanwhile, offered congratulations with its characteristic competitive edge. Its post read, “Luckily, Carl Benz invented the automobile, so we could invent driving pleasure,” paired with imagery honoring Benz while subtly promoting BMW’s own future products, including the iX3 from its upcoming Neue Klasse generation. The message balanced respect with a reminder that rivalry remains alive and well.
A Rare Moment of Harmony
While the exchange was brief, it highlighted how even fierce competitors occasionally acknowledge the shared heritage that shaped the modern automotive industry. Cooperation, rivalry, and mutual influence have long defined Germany’s carmakers—and for a moment, social media offered a glimpse of all three at once.
