What was the first car company?

Determining the very first car company is tricky because the definition of "car" and "company" were fluid in the early days of automotive development. There wasn't a single, sudden invention, but rather a gradual evolution.

However, Benz & Cie. (later Mercedes-Benz) is often cited as one of the earliest and most successful companies to produce automobiles on a relatively large scale. Karl Benz's patent for his three-wheeled automobile in 1886 is often considered a key milestone. While others were experimenting, Benz's company was among the first to establish a consistent production process and market their vehicles.