Carl Benz was a German engineer and inventor, best known for creating the first practical automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. Born on November 25, 1844, in Karlsruhe, Germany, he founded the company Benz & Cie. in 1883, which later became a significant player in the automotive industry. His invention, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, was patented in 1886 and is widely regarded as the world's first true automobile. Benz's work laid the foundation for modern automotive engineering and contributed to the establishment of the Mercedes-Benz brand, which is still a leading automobile manufacturer today. His innovations in engine design and vehicle construction have had a lasting impact on transportation and technology.