In Germany in 1888, Bertha Benz, wife of auto pioneer Carl Benz, attempted the first cross-country drive in an automobile. While making the drive from Mannheim to Pforzheim, her car ran out of fuel in Wiesloch. Mrs. Benz stopped into the city pharmacy to obtain the appropriate chemicals to make more fuel, effectively creating the world´s first gas station.

By 1928, Germany possessed a dense road network where combustion engines had triumphed over electric and steam engines and where cars were produced via assembly lines. Manufacturers began making more affordable vehicles for the broader population.

In Kraftwagen, players further the state of automobile development and production by playing as start-up companies. They must research new technologies and build improved engines and chassis. Early Grand Prix races provide the young companies with prestige and money, but players must maintain a key balance of fulfilling the demand preferences of buyers at the lowest possible price.