The first automobile is credited to Karl Benz, who invented it in 1885-1886. His creation, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, was the first practical motor vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. Benz's innovative design featured a 0.75-horsepower engine mounted on a three-wheeled chassis, which he patented in 1886. This invention marked a significant milestone in transportation history, paving the way for the development of the modern automobile industry. Benz founded the Benz & Cie. company, which later merged with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft to form the Daimler-Benz company, now known as Mercedes-Benz. This achievement changed personal transport, making it accessible and revolutionary for society.