Some automakers are just starting to add all-wheel drive systems to their vehicles, while others have been associated with four wheel drive vehicles for a very long time.

From the press release: This year marks the 105th anniversary of the very first commercially available four wheel drive vehicle – created in 1907 by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG). The ‘Dernburg-Wagen’ featured not only four-wheel drive but was also equipped with four-wheel steering to aid manoeuvrability.

With ground clearance of 32-centimetres and powered by a substantial 6.8-litre, four-cylinder engine developing a modest 35 hp at 800 rpm it was capable of carrying five passengers. Solid steel wheels wrapped in pneumatic tyres helped protect the drum brakes from debris.

Today Mercedes-Benz UK offers a total of four road car variants including the recently launched GL-Class, two van lines as well as the Canter and Zetros and the mighty Unimog, all equipped with sophisticated four-wheel drive systems.