Stuttgart is the home to both Daimler-Benz and Porsche so a visit to the Mercedes Benz Museum is a must - unless you're like Di and don't care!
The museum itself has an outstanding design - reminiscent of the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Carl Benz built and patented the first automobile (a 3 wheeled car)  in 1886 followed soon after by Gottlieb Daimler who motorised a 4 wheel carriage in the same year. The two men never met and it wasn't until financial problems arose in 1924 that the two companies came together, finally merging in 1926. They each worked independently in developing engines for various forms of transport. Daimler in particular wanted to see gasoline engines used on land air and sea - hence the 3 pointed star logo. The Mercedes brand was introduced by Daimler in 1900 for a car to be entered into a cross country race.
Daimler Benz have always been leaders in manufacturing. They began crash testing long before this was mandated. Similarly they've been leaders in recycling. Their cars are now entirely recyclable and use much recycled material in their manufacture.

Benz first automobile

Daimler carriage

Daimler & Benz roadsters

Mercedes Benz Sports models

Mercedes Benz early racing cars