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On January 29th, 1886, the German engine designer Karl Benz was granted the patent for his first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. The day later became known as the birthday of the modern automobile.

When Mr. Benz concentrated his intellect on his invention more than 100 years ago, he might never have foreseen the future prevalence of his invention and the transformative effects it would have on human society.

In the US, 75% percent of the households living below the poverty line have at least one car. China is a late comer to the auto industry, but demand is growing rapidly. In 2014, more than 23 million vehicles were manufactured and roughly the same number were sold in China. The number of private cars in China has expanded 35 times since 2000.

So, from a historical perspective, what are some of the major influences the automobile has made on human society?