Automotive ergonomics : driver vehicle interaction The name of Karl Benz one of the father figures in the automotive industry is quoted more than once in this book. This is not only because of his undoubted contribution during the initial phase of developments but also because of the contrast of expectations by key figures such as himself against the established beliefs and practices of today. Common perception of what the automobile is and whom it is addressed to was significantly different back then. From the very few who could afford and the handful of those skilled enough to control such machines within a few decades we were led to the generalization of the automobile first in the US then in Europe and post WWII Japan