While other inventors were working on self-propelled vehicles at the time, Benz's creation is widely considered the first true automobile because it met the following criteria:
* Self-propelled: It was powered by an internal combustion engine.
* Four-wheeled: It was a stable and practical vehicle.
* Designed for transportation: It was intended for carrying passengers or goods.
Therefore, the Benz Patent Motorwagen is generally recognized as the first car built.
