# Benz Patent-Motorwagen (1886)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1886-benz-patent-motorwagen
Location: Mannheim
Categories: main-event

On 29 January 1886 Carl Benz received a patent for his motor car. In 1888 his wife Bertha Benz made the first long-distance drive. Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach developed their own car at the same time.

## Why it matters
It launched the automotive age.

Ruler at the time: [Wilhelm I](https://germany-history.com/rulers/wilhelm-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – Benz Patent-Motorwagen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benz_Patent-Motorwagen)
- [Wikipedia – Carl Benz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Benz)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Carl Benz](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Benz)