Edzard Reuter, Ex-Daimler-Chef, Dies at 96

Former CEO of Daimler AG, Edzard Reuter, has passed away at the age of 96.

Reuter led the company through a period of significant change, including the merger with Chrysler.

Edzard Reuter, the former CEO of Daimler AG, died on February 12, 2023, at the age of 96. Reuter was born in 1926 in Aachen, Germany. He studied engineering at the Technical University of Berlin and began his career at Daimler-Benz in 1957.

Reuter rose through the ranks quickly and became CEO of Daimler-Benz in 1987. During his tenure, he oversaw the merger of Daimler-Benz with Chrysler in 1998. The merger was controversial at the time, but Reuter believed it was necessary to create a global automotive giant. However, the merger was ultimately unsuccessful and Daimler sold Chrysler in 2007.

Reuter also led Daimler-Benz through a period of significant technological change. He was a strong advocate for electric vehicles and oversaw the development of the company's first electric car, the Mercedes-Benz EQC. Reuter retired as CEO of Daimler-Benz in 1995, but he remained active in the automotive industry. He was a member of the board of directors of several automotive companies and was a consultant to the German government on automotive policy.

Reuter was a brilliant engineer and a visionary leader. He was a pioneer in the automotive industry and his legacy will continue to shape the industry for years to come.