Where and why was the car invented?

The car, as we know it, wasn't invented in one place or by one person at one time. It was a process of evolution with contributions from many inventors across several countries. However, Germany is often credited with playing a significant role in the invention of the *automobile* (as opposed to earlier self-propelled vehicles).

The "why" is multifaceted:

* Technological advancements: The late 19th century saw breakthroughs in internal combustion engines, which provided a power source efficient enough for road vehicles. Previous attempts relied on steam power, which was bulky and inefficient.

* Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution provided the manufacturing capacity and engineering expertise to build and refine complex machinery like internal combustion engines and automobiles.

* Demand for personal transportation: As cities grew and industrialization increased, there was a growing demand for faster and more convenient transportation than horses or horse-drawn carriages could offer.

* Competition and Innovation: Multiple inventors and engineers were racing to develop and improve self-propelled vehicles, leading to rapid advancements and innovation.

While Karl Benz is often cited as the inventor of the first practical automobile (patented in 1886), others like Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach were also pivotal in developing key components like high-speed internal combustion engines. Many others contributed to the design and refinement of the automobile in subsequent years. Therefore, pinning down a single "where" and "why" is an oversimplification of a complex historical process.