Car Timeline By jadyn.olson Jan 1, 1769 First generation of cars Nicholas Joseph Cugnot invented the steam car. Jan 1, 1885 Second generation of cars Karl Benz creates a motorcar. Jan 1, 1904 Third generation of cars Rubber tires were invented and put on cars. Mar 1, 1912 Fourth generation of cars Cars with keys are invented. Jan 1, 1959 Fifth generation of cars Nils Bolhin invents the seat belt. Jan 1, 1997 Sixth generation of cars Hybrid car is invented.