Edzard Reuter, Honorary Citizen of Berlin, Has Passed Away

A Pioneer of the Automobile Industry and a Visionary Leader

Edzard Reuter, the former CEO of Daimler-Benz and honorary citizen of Berlin, passed away on November 6, 2023, at the age of 95. Reuter was born in Brake, Germany, and studied engineering at the Technical University of Braunschweig. He would go on to have a significant impact on the automobile industry, leading Daimler-Benz through a period of significant growth and innovation.

Reuter's Career at Daimler-Benz

Reuter joined Daimler-Benz in 1965 and quickly rose through the ranks. He became CEO of the company in 1987 and held the position until 1995. During his tenure, Reuter oversaw the development and launch of several important new models, including the S-Class, the E-Class, and the C-Class. He also led the company's expansion into new markets such as China and Eastern Europe.

Reuter was known for his forward-thinking approach and his commitment to innovation. He was one of the first CEOs to recognize the importance of environmental sustainability and was a strong advocate for electric vehicles. Under his leadership, Daimler-Benz became one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers.

Reuter's Other Accomplishments

In addition to his career at Daimler-Benz, Reuter served on the board of directors of several other companies, including Deutsche Bank and Allianz. He was also a professor at the University of Munich and a member of the German Academy of Sciences. Reuter was a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Order of Merit of the State of Baden-Württemberg.

Reuter's Legacy

Edzard Reuter will be remembered as a pioneer of the automobile industry and a visionary leader. His contributions to Daimler-Benz and to the wider automotive sector were significant, and his commitment to innovation and sustainability will continue to inspire future generations.

Reuter's legacy will also be remembered through his work as a philanthropist. He was a generous supporter of educational institutions and medical research, and he established several foundations to support these causes. Reuter was a true visionary who made a significant impact on the world, both through his professional achievements and his personal commitments.