Product Description

The three–pointed star. Magic. Mystique. Mercedes–Benz.

With its legendary performance and quality, Mercedes–Benz is one of the most recognizable brands in existence. The first book to examine Mercedes–Benz as a brand phenomenon, Enduring Passion provides a fascinating look at how the brand developed and the myths and realities surrounding it as it faced the global convulsions of war, mergers, and economic uncertainty. Handsomely produced in a large format and richly illustrated with previously unpublished photographs, Enduring Passion is the life story of the Mercedes–Benz brand and how its iconic symbol became a synonym for power and elegance.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41822 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-30
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Review
"...an informative and insightful read." (Express)

"...wide research and photographs shed an illuminating light on the success of the three–pointed star." (Sunday Times, 16th October 2005)

"...highly readable..." (Mercedes Magazine, October 2005).

"...the books easy–going prose captivates the reader with its head–on approach..." (Classic Car Weekly, October 2005)

"...an informative and insightful read." (Daily Express, 19th November 2005)

"...This one should sell well in London where cool, classic Mercedes seem to have found a particularly keen following.... If you love the three–pointed star or automobile history, there may...be room...on your shelf or coffee table." (Evening Standard, 25th November 2005)

"...a fascinating look at how the brand developed...Handsomely produced in a large format and richly illustrated" (African Business, 1st December 2005)

"...thought provoking..." (The Telegraph, 10th December 2005)

"...entertaining, constructively critical, and holds a relevancy to any company struggling with an identity crisis." (Blueprint, Feb 06)

"...Lavishly presented...excellent photos well reproduced..." (Gazette, March 2006)

Classic Car Weekly, October 2005
"...the books easy-going prose captivates the reader with its head-on approach..."

Daily Express, 19th November 2005
"...an informative and insightful read."

Customer Reviews

Lavishly produced pictorial history of the Mercedes-Benz product and brand
This curious combination of coffee-table book and corporate history tells the story of the Mercedes-Benz brand from the invention of the automobile in the 1800s through the early years of the 21st century. Author Leslie Butterfield explains that management's attention began to focus on the Mercedes-Benz brand only during the last 10 years or so of this period. Until then, the company's focus had been on engineering and products, with marketing as somewhat of an afterthought. The author certainly makes the case that the brand has survived and prospered despite questionable management, and often against the odds. The book offers a fairly comprehensive account of many ways in which the company failed its brand. However, it has surprisingly little to say about the Chrysler acquisition - a challenge that is no secret. getAbstract believes that corporate-history students, car buffs and anyone stranded in a waiting room will find something to appreciate in this well-produced, lavishly illustrated tome.

Concours d'Elegance?
This is a most-beatutifully written, and illustrated, book that details the history of the legend that is Mercedes-Benz. Starting with Daimler and Benz's first motor-cars some 120 years ago, through the mergers and take-overs, and concluding with present-day MB, this book will appeal to business-men, MBA students and motoring enthusiast alike. Be warned, however, this is not a motor-car reference book. If you are looking to upgrade your knowledge of the Mercedes-Benz model range, both new and old, look elsewhere.

Readable
Leslie Butterield has written the first story of Mercedes Benz, a brand that has survived crisis and mergers since its foundation in the late 19th century. The book is informed by the very latest brand thinking, thanks to marketing expert Leslie Butterfield. It is suspenseful, factual and thorough. Running through his analysis is a solid strand of the theory on how brands are formed, in this case very successfully - as the symbol of Mercedes Benz became more widely recorgnised than the Christian cross. Readable.