Pioneer automaker is a term used to refer to three of the earliest car manufacturers: BENZ, OLDS, and Stutz. BENZ was founded by Karl BENZ in 1883 and was the first company to produce a gasoline-powered automobile. OLDS was founded by Ransom E. OLDS in 1897 and was the first company to mass-produce cars. Stutz was founded by Harry C. Stutz in 1911 and was the first company to introduce the safety steering wheel. All three companies were pioneers in the automotive industry and helped shape the modern car.