From the first Daimler truck to the eActros 600: 130 years of innovation for the transport of tomorrow

Leinfelden/Stuttgart. – When Gottlieb Daimler delivered the world’s first truck in 1896, it marked the beginning of a success story that continues to shape goods transport to this day. In the same year, Carl Benz sold his first delivery van. The special exhibition “130 Years of Commercial Vehicles” at the Mercedes-Benz Museum showcases the development of these vehicles over 130 years, from June 28, 2026 to April 4, 2027: from the early days of motorized transport to modern battery-electric commercial vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 and the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter.

In Collection Room 5, seven selected vehicles are presented, representing the innovative strength of Mercedes-Benz in the commercial vehicle sector. Historic trucks and vans illustrate how technological progress over generations has transformed the transport industry. Accompanying media stations, as well as an animated LED globe, highlight the role of commercial vehicles in trade, supply, and economic development worldwide.

Commercial vehicles as the backbone of economy and society

For 130 years, trucks and vans have ensured that goods reliably reach their destinations. They supply cities and regions, support industry and trade, and are an indispensable part of global supply chains. The special exhibition makes this importance tangible and shows the development of commercial vehicles across three eras.
A particular highlight is a 1.5-meter animated LED globe that visualizes the international history of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles. Historical communication formats such as the Litfaß column are combined with digital elements, offering additional insights into the development of transport.

Vehicles from 130 years of commercial vehicle history

The exhibited vehicles document the development of commercial vehicles from the early decades of motorized transport to the era of electromobility:

Benz 1C (1922): The 1.5-ton truck is exemplary of early series production of trucks. Originally used as a fire engine, it was later converted and restored with its current flatbed body.

Mercedes-Benz 170 V panel van (1952): The compact transporter is used, among other things, by Mercedes-Benz Service to transport tools and spare parts to customer assignments.

Mercedes-Benz O 319 D panorama bus (1961): The popular compact bus represents the mobility and spirit of optimism of the post-war economic boom years.

Mercedes-Benz L 911 (1966): This medium-duty short-nose truck, with its original preserved patina, reflects the reality of a tough working life on the road and is one of the defining trucks of its time.

Mercedes-Benz eVito (2023): The battery-electric transporter stands for modern urban logistics as well as applications in trade and service sectors.

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter (2024): The electric evolution of the Sprinter, introduced in 1995, continues the success story of an entire vehicle class.

Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 (2024): This battery-electric long-haul truck marks the latest milestone in truck development. With an installed battery capacity of 621 kWh and a range of up to 500 kilometers without intermediate charging, the eActros 600 represents the future of sustainable goods transport.

The origin of truck history in the atrium

Complementing the special exhibition, historic commercial vehicle classics are presented in the museum’s atrium. At the opening, authentic reconstructions of the first Daimler truck from 1896 and the Benz “Combinations” delivery vehicle from 1899 can be seen.

The Daimler truck in particular documents the beginning of a development characterized by technological innovation over more than 130 years, which has now reached a new dimension in battery-electric long-haul transport.

Experiencing history in large and small formats

More than 180 model vehicles showcase the diversity of the commercial vehicle world on a small scale. The exhibits come from the collections of members of the Mercedes-Benz Model Car Club.

Two interactive stations also provide a playful approach to the history of commercial vehicles: an arcade game invites visitors to virtual truck racing, while the “VANtastic Memo” features motifs from the history of vans.

Special events celebrating 130 years of commercial vehicles

In parallel with the opening of the special exhibition, the brand-independent classic car gathering “Classics & Coffee” on June 28, 2026 will focus on the theme of commercial vehicles. At the Family Day on July 5, 2026, vans and trucks will also take center stage. Among other activities, rides in historic commercial vehicles are planned.