Known worldwide as a manufacturer of reliable outboards, Mercury has been producing marine propulsion systems since 1939. In 1930, when Mercury founder Carl Kiekhaefer and his team of passionate boaters built the first Mercury engine in an old barn, he laid the foundation for the continued production of high-performance marine engines. In 1940, the newly founded company presented its first engine range, which included 5 engine models, at the New York Boat Show.