This document provides background information on the automobile industry. It discusses the early history of cars, from the first steam-powered vehicles in the late 18th century to the invention of the gasoline-powered automobile by Karl Benz in 1886. It then covers major developments in the 19th century, including innovations like hand brakes and transmissions. The emergence of major automakers in the early 20th century, like Ford, GM, and Toyota, transformed the industry and led to mass production of affordable cars for consumers. Today a few major global players dominate the industry.