Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant, later known as Carl Benz, was born in Mühlburg (now part of Karlsruhe), Baden, Germany. His father, a locomotive driver, died when Carl was only two years old. This early loss shaped his life, and his mother’s dedication ensured he received a good education.

Benz demonstrated an early aptitude for technical subjects. At the age of 15, he enrolled at the Karlsruhe Polytechnic (now the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology), where he focused on mechanical engineering. This marked the beginning of his formal training and laid the foundation for his future inventions.

After working in various engineering roles, Benz established his first company, an iron foundry and sheet metal workshop, in Mannheim. Initially, the venture struggled financially, leading him to focus on developing a more reliable and profitable internal combustion engine.

Benz achieved a significant breakthrough with the development of a reliable two-stroke gasoline engine. This engine became the cornerstone of his future inventions, providing the necessary power for his automotive ambitions. It was a stationary engine intended to power workshop equipment.

This is arguably the most significant date in Carl Benz's life. He received a patent (DRP 37435) for his 'vehicle powered by a gas engine,' the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. This three-wheeled vehicle is widely considered to be the world's first practical automobile, marking a pivotal moment in transportation history.

Carl's wife, Bertha Benz, played a crucial role in the success of the Patent-Motorwagen. Without her husband's knowledge, Bertha took the Model III on the first long-distance automobile journey from Mannheim to Pforzheim (approximately 106 km or 66 miles) with her sons. This demonstrated the practicality and reliability of the invention, capturing public attention and generating significant publicity.

Benz introduced the Benz Velo, a four-wheeled car that became one of the world's first mass-produced automobiles. It was more affordable and user-friendly than earlier models, contributing significantly to the widespread adoption of automobiles.

Due to disagreements and issues with management, Carl Benz left Benz & Cie. He remained involved in a much smaller company, focusing on designing engines. Carl was brought back to Benz & Cie. as the company was struggling.

Following the devastation of World War I and the economic challenges that followed, Benz & Cie. merged with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG), founded by Gottlieb Daimler, to form Daimler-Benz. This merger created a powerful force in the automotive industry, leading to the production of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Carl Benz died in Ladenburg, Germany, at the age of 84. He left behind a legacy as a pioneer of the automobile age, whose inventions revolutionized transportation and laid the foundation for the modern automotive industry. His name continues to be recognized globally through the iconic Mercedes-Benz brand.