Auto Special: Shaping the automobile's evolution, past and future

Klaus Maier, president and CEO, Mercedes-Benz China. Photos provided to China Daily

Saturday night was a night to remember, when the legends of music and the automotive industry came together in a spectacular event in Shanghai.

A giant of modern American music, Quincy Jones, joined the auto industry pioneer Mercedes-Benz in presenting an extraordinary "Legends in Motion - Star Music Night", at the city's new cultural landmark, the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

This special performance was part of Mercedes-Benz's 125th anniversary celebration and lead up to the exciting Chinese 2011 F1 Grand Prix.

Klaus Maier, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd, introduced it by saying, "Tonight, it's all about 'legends' - from the past, present and future - distinguished individuals who have displayed great passion and accomplishments."

Maier went on to say, that, "With our 125 years of innovation, we strive to continuously reinvent ourselves and inspire others - and this is the same spirit that characterized the legends we are seeing here. This is indeed a special night, true to Mercedes-Benz's claim: 'The best or nothing'."

Jones, who has 27 Grammy Awards, treated the audience to a sensational musical journey, marked by many of the signature tunes he composed and produced.

His fresh interpretation of R&B, soul and jazz tunes had the audience in the Arena's newly opened Music Club on their feet and moving to the rhythm.

Also performing were some of the music industry's most respected people. They included James Ingram, a popular soul vocalist who won a Grammy for Best R&B vocal performance for his work on Jones' album The Dude; Patti Austin, American R&B singer and winner of a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album; and Alfredo Rodriguez, an outstanding Cuban jazz pianist.

The audience could not seem to get enough of the performers who were repeatedly called for encores.

And, putting in a surprise appearance at the star-studded night was another legend, a legend of the race track - the Mercedes GP PETRONAS team - with the promising young German F1 driver, Nico Rosberg, definitely one of the stars that lit up the night.

Rosberg shared his excitement about coming back to the Shanghai track, and his expectations for another exhilarating F1 season this year. The GP PETRONAS team's car, the MGPW02, was also on display and drew a lot of attention to its cutting-edge innovations and design.

The "Legends in Motion - Star Music Night" show was without a doubt an impressive gathering of the legends that have shaped their respective industries.

Legendary automotive story

In the same way that Jones' music has spanned generations and stood the test of time, Mercedes-Benz's developments are a fascinating story that traces a century's progress.

Carl Benz registered his patent in 1886, setting in motion the history of a world-renowned automotive leader. He started a revolution in road transport that has had a profound effect on societies, cultures, and business.

The company is celebrating its 125 years of innovation and has said it hopes to influence future mobility with exceptional brands, green technologies, and new business opportunities.

"For more than a century, our legacy as innovators and as a brand has shaped human mobility. And, Mercedes-Benz's leadership in the automobile's evolution is set to continue for another 125 years," Maier concluded.