Reply #9: You're right, I just looked it up.

[sabrina 1]

Who invented the automobile?

But I don't feel so bad as apparently, according to this article, Obama also said it was invented here.

Was the automobile invented in America?

Short answer: no.

The Library of Congress credits German Karl Benz (of Mercedes-Benz) with inventing the "first true automobile" (one that had an internal combustion engine). That happened in 1885. However, the Library of Congress also notes that "he history of the automobile is very rich and dates back to the 15th century when Leonardo da Vinci was creating designs and models for transport vehicles."

As Mary Bellis points out, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot build the first self-powered vehicle for the road. In 1769. His invention is "recognized by the British Royal Automobile Club and the Automobile Club de France as being the first" automobile.

Most inventions have more than one "inventor" although mindshare is usually held by one person. In the U.S., that mindshare often goes to Henry Ford, who did not invent the automobile but who revolutionized its production.

But here's a more thorough account of the history of the automobile. It all depends on what a 'car' is ...

Obama was right: We invented the car

The 'first car' was supposedly the Benz Motor Wagon. But it looks more like a tricycle to me: