As an Oregon-based freelancer and vehicular adventure traveler, she and her husband Andy run Crankshaft Culture, an automotive website that firmly believes every vehicle is an adventure. They also run Subcompact Culture, a site dedicated to small cars. In their stable, they currently own three modified 4x4s and two customized subcompact daily drivers. In addition to their rigs, Mercedes attends several overlanding and off-road events throughout the year.
She also does a lot of off-roading herself, whether they are off-tarmac trails or TSDs (time/speed/distance rallies) and recently piloted a fully customized 2012 Toyota Tacoma TRD Access Cab in the 4x4 class of the 2018 Rebelle Rally.
Mercedes, a dual citizen of the United States and Germany, grew up with an international identity; her freelance work includes writing, editing, photography, event coverage, social media management, and marketing services.
You can follow her adventures on Facebook @crankshaftculture and @mercedeslilienthal and via and Instagram @crankshaftculture and @mercedes_lilienthal.
