I know the case with Benz its a three pointed star and it symbolizes the undisputed leadership of the brand over sea , water and land. Mer Benz is the oldest automobile manufacture .
I can write about Audi too, The Audi's four rings is one of the oldest car manufactures emblem in Germany, It symbolizes the integration of four independent vehicle manufactures namely Audi, DKW , Wanderer , Horch.