Karl Benz was a German mechanical engineer who invented the first practical automobile, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, in 1885. The Motorwagen had an internal combustion engine, steel frame, differential gears, and could travel up to 8 mph. Benz's wife Bertha helped popularize the automobile by taking the first long-distance trip in one in 1888. Benz went on to found early automobile companies that helped establish quality standards in Europe and inspired carmakers around the world. He received many patents for automotive innovations and merged his company with Daimler in 1926 to form Daimler-Benz, now Mercedes-Benz.
Karl Benz was a German mechanical engineer who invented the first practical automobile, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, in 1885. The Motorwagen had an internal combustion engine, steel frame, di…