Car History. 16. New Fuel: Petronium 4

 In Russia, Daimler and Maybach gained much experience while testing engine performance in the severe cold. During his time in Russia, Daimler often sent postcards or telegrams to his wife, Emma. Peculiarly, every time he sent a postcard to Emma, Daimler would draw a three-pointed star and add a note: “Someday this star will shine brilliantly above our factory.”

The star shape that Daimler drew and sent would later be registered as a trademark in 1909, and this star became the origin of the current Mercedes-Benz emblem, the three-pointed star. Daimler believed that this star symbolized the prosperity of his business and would shine above his factory.

Daimler’s three-pointed star registered as a trademark in 1909

In December, after returning from Russia, Daimler and Maybach went to work at Deutz and entered Otto’s office to report on their trip. They shared with Otto what they had observed in Russia and also pointed out the problems that the Otto engine faced in Russian conditions.

“Mr. Otto. From our investigation, we found that in cold regions, gas freezes very easily. Therefore, researching petronium as the next-generation fuel and developing an engine for it would be the most effective way to target the Russian market.”

“Now, now! It’s not yet time to make such easy conclusions. There is still plenty of room to improve our Otto engine. With your skills, I believe you can develop a technology to prevent gas from freezing even in cold regions. Investing in new research would cost an enormous amount. So for now, let’s focus on improving the Otto engine we already have. Speaking of which, would you two be willing to pioneer the Russian market? I believe you two are the most suitable to take on this role. How about establishing a Deutz branch in Russia and continuing engine research suited to local conditions there?”

Daimler was dumbfounded.

Being sent to Russia meant being buried there, never to return. Daimler and Maybach barely had enough time to stay up all night at Deutz headquarters working on new engine development, and now Otto was telling them to go to Russia, a land that was almost barren in terms of engine development, to pioneer a market. It was nonsense.

At that time, Otto regarded Daimler and Maybach as future competitors and repeatedly obstructed their proposals and ongoing work.

Because of this relationship, Daimler, Maybach, and Otto grew estranged, and their conversations dwindled. Otto decided to send Daimler and Maybach to Russia under the pretext of expanding the Russian market.

After a brief silence, Maybach spoke in place of the dazed Daimler.

“Mr. Otto, since we have only just returned from Russia, our fatigue has not yet lifted. It seems too early for us to make a sound judgment. Could you please give us a little more time to consider this matter?”

“Very well. You two should rest and think about it slowly. I apologize for bringing up such an important matter when you are still exhausted.”

Daimler and Maybach understood well what Otto’s hidden intentions were. Otto wanted to push them far away to the remote countryside, away from the core of engine research. Daimler and Maybach seriously discussed the matter.

“Maybach, don’t you think it’s time for us to leave? Russia is out of the question.”

“I also find it difficult to accept Mr. Otto’s proposal this time.”

“Yes. We are returning to the days when we worked together alone. But now we have a clear goal to achieve, so unlike the old days when we wandered without direction, things will be different.”

“I already expected this outcome. If Mr. Otto cannot understand what we are trying to do, there is nothing we can do. If he cannot see it, then he cannot grasp it. Since Mr. Otto has not seen petronium, he cannot capture it. But since you and I have seen it, it is time for us to seize petronium ourselves.”

Maybach then pulled several sheets of paper from his pocket and handed them to Daimler. Daimler looked at him with a questioning expression, unfolded the papers, and saw complex diagrams drawn on them. Examining them closely, Daimler raised his head and asked Maybach:

“Could this possibly be the design for that?”

“Yes, it is. I drafted this based on the tests we have conducted so far. Of course, there are still many parts that need to be revised.”

“You are truly remarkable. I never thought you had progressed this far. If we continue our research based on this, our dream will soon be realized.”

“If Mr. Otto had truly seen petronium, then this document would have become his. But since he did not see it, he cannot grasp it.”

“Yes. If you cannot see, you cannot grasp.”

Thus, Daimler and Maybach took Otto’s attempt to send them to Russia as a scheme to exclude them from the center of engine research. In 1882, together with Wilhelm Maybach, Daimler left Otto’s side.