Here are some key milestones:
* 1769: Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot created the first self-propelled road vehicle powered by a steam engine, but it was more of a steam-powered wagon.
* 1807: François Isaac de Rivaz built the first vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, but it was impractical and not very successful.
* 1860: Étienne Lenoir created a more successful internal combustion engine and used it to power a vehicle, but it was still unreliable and inefficient.
* 1886: Karl Benz is generally credited with creating the first practical gasoline-powered automobile. His "Benz Patent-Motorwagen" was a three-wheeled vehicle that was considered the first true car.
* 1889: Gottlieb Daimler invented a four-wheeled vehicle with an internal combustion engine.
* 1896: Henry Ford began building his first automobile. He would later revolutionize the industry with his innovative manufacturing techniques and the Model T.
So, while Karl Benz is often cited as the inventor of the car, it's important to acknowledge the contributions of many other inventors throughout history who played a crucial role in its development.
