Karl BENZ was an early automaker who is credited with inventing the first practical automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. He founded the company BENZ & Cie in 1883, which later became Mercedes-BENZ. His invention of the gasoline-powered car revolutionized transportation and is considered to be the foundation of the modern automotive industry. The four-letter solution to the crossword clue 'Early Automaker Karl' is BENZ.