Here's why:
* Benz Patent Motorwagen (1886): Benz built the first gasoline-powered car that was truly practical. It had a single-cylinder engine, a four-stroke cycle, and a clutch and gears.
* Commercially Successful: Benz's invention was not just a prototype. He successfully marketed and sold his car, laying the foundation for the automotive industry.
However, it's worth noting that:
* Other inventors: Étienne Lenoir and Siegfried Marcus also developed gasoline-powered vehicles, but their inventions were less successful and didn't have the same lasting impact.
* The term "first" is complex: There were various attempts to create gas-powered vehicles before Benz, but his creation was the one that truly bridged the gap from experiment to practical, marketable product.
Therefore, while recognizing the contributions of others, Karl Benz is widely acknowledged as the inventor of the first truly successful gasoline-powered car.
