when was the automobile invented
The early history of the automobile can be divided into a number of eras, based on the prevalent means of propulsion. Later periods were defined by trends in exterior styling, size, and utility preferences. In 1769 the first steam-powered automobile capable of human transportation was built by Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot.
In 1886, Karl Benz developed a petrol- or gasoline-powered automobile. This is also considered to be the first production vehicle as Benz made several other identical copies. At the turn of the 20th century electrically powered automobiles appeared but only occupied a niche market until the turn of the 21st century.