What's In A Name?

Did you know that Mercedes-Benz was named for 11 year old Mercedes Jellinek, daughter of the Austrian Consul General (who was a friend of Gottlieb Daimler)? Emile Jellinek, who was also an entrepreneur, suggested to Daimler in 1899 that his cars would sell better if 1) the engine was mounted lower to improve speed, handling, and stability, 2) the engine was in front of the passenger cabin, and 3) a sexier name were given to the vehicle (Mercedes). Daimler took the advice, and in 1901, the cars became a raging success as both street and racing cars. (BTW - the car had a whopping 35 horsepower then!)