125 years ago, a German engineer came up with something which would revolutionise the world as we know it today. Without his invention, our lives would be a hell of a lot less interesting. Not to mention that this website will probably not be in existence.

I'm talking about Karl Benz, widely acknowledged as the father of the petrol-powered motorcar, and of course, the 'Benz' in Mercedes-Benz. Together with Gottlieb Daimler, the two German engineers were the pioneers of this historic invention that would forever change our world.

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of this significant achievement, Mercedes-Benz Singapore and Daimler South East Asia recently held a dinner event to commemorate the milestone.

We all know that Benz and Daimler gave their names to the company which is now known as Daimler AG, but was previously more well-known as Daimler-Benz. But how did the name Mercedes came about?

Apparently, Mercedes was the name of Emil Jellinek's daughter. Jellinek was an early dealer, and later director, of the then-fledgling Daimler company, and he sold and raced a few of the early cars. Jellinek named the cars that he raced 'Mercedes' for identification, and the name stuck. The rest, as they say, is history.

I'm sure his daughter would have been very proud to have her name live on in such a way, associated with a product that had such a great influence in the modern world, and redefining the concept of personal transportation.

More than a century on, the motorcar is now at the stage where it is once again going through a revolution. The traditional petrol-powered vehicle is now being joined by alternative-powered vehicles, like hybrids, hydrogen fuel-cell cars, and electric vehicles.

Who knows what the next 125 years will bring? But for now, let's just celebrate the invention of this machine that not only provides us with the convenience of personal mobility, but also brings so much joy and wonder to so many people.

Here's to another 125 years of innovation, from Mercedes-Benz and everyone else in the motor industry.