TORONTO -

Mercedes-Benz Canada is celebrating more than 125 years of what is said to be the invention of the world’s first automobile by taking the original Benz Patent-Motorwagen on a cross-country tour.

Carl Benz filed his patent application for the three-wheeled motor car more than 125 years ago, which the automaker contends was “the foundation for all present-day passenger cars.”

Also, Gottlieb Daimler showcased what Mercedes called the first truck ever in 1896: the Motor-Lastwagen.

The celebratory trek of the Patent-Motorwagen commemorating Benz’s patent began June 17 and will hit different dealerships throughout its coast-to-coast path during which it will be hauled by a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, officials indicated.

“The Benz Patent-Motorwagen literally changed transportation and paved the way for the modern automobile. We are extremely proud to bring this visionary vehicle to dealerships across Canada, allowing our valued customers the opportunity to enjoy a first-hand look at the world’s first official motor car,” stated Tim Reuss, president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz Canada.

“We are extremely proud to have invented the automobile over 125 years ago, but it is even more rewarding to note that our company’s steadfast commitment to innovation has allowed us to continue to reinvent it to this day,” he continued. “With more than 80,000 patents filed worldwide since the original patent that started it all, we have continued to introduce ground-breaking technologies that have ensured that Mercedes-Benz continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of the automobile."