Mercedes-Benz Refusal Leads to Gates' Departure: Explanation of Bill Gates Leaving Due to Mercedes Dispute
In the late '80s or early '90s, a surprising request was made by tech mogul Bill Gates. He sought a bulletproof station wagon for discreet family use, an alternative to the one he had initially requested from Mercedes-Benz.
The request was made via a representative to a Mercedes-Benz dealership, but they declined to retrofit a station wagon with bulletproof specifications due to liability concerns. Gates, however, did not let this setback deter him.
In 1989, Gates walked into a Bellevue dealership looking for a black Porsche 911 convertible with specific specifications. However, he ended up leaving without the Porsche, as he did not make a purchase from Mercedes-Benz on that occasion.
Instead, Gates purchased a bulletproof Volvo 240 DL, a model developed by the Swedish company Spetsudden AB. This vehicle, intended to be driven by the family nanny and to withstand potential threats, was already fitted with bulletproofing.
The Volvo 240 DL, however, had a persistent issue with the driver's window motor, which failed under the weight of the reinforced glass and was replaced multiple times. Despite this issue, Gates seemed content with his choice.
Gates' garage history includes a variety of luxury and eco-friendly vehicles. From a rare Porsche 959, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Toyota Prius, and various Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, and Bentleys, to his current preferences for a Porsche Taycan and a Tesla Model X, Gates' preferences for specific car models have changed over time.
The unusual request for a bulletproof station wagon was made long before Tesla came into prominence. Gates' relationship with cars has evolved, but never lost its eccentric streak. The former Sales Manager at the Mercedes-Benz dealership where the request was made was Terry Haigh.
Interestingly, Gates no longer seems to have a wishlist for bulletproof station wagons. It appears that his focus has shifted towards more mainstream, albeit still high-end, vehicles. Regardless, the story of his unusual request serves as a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the world's most influential figures.
