Meaning and usage of the word motor car in English

The term "motor car" was coined in the late 19th century as a way to distinguish self-propelled vehicles from traditional horse-drawn carriages. The word "motor" refers to the internal combustion engine that powers the car, while "car" refers to the passenger compartment, typically enclosed and capable of carrying multiple people. The first gasoline-powered car, developed by German inventor Karl Benz in 1885, was originally called a "motorwagen" or "motor carriage" in its native language. The popularization of the term "motor car" in English can be attributed to pioneering British automotive manufacturer J.D. Spooner, who used it to describe his line of cars produced around the turn of the century. Today, the term "motor car" is less commonly used, with "car" or "auto" being more ubiquitous in everyday speech. However, in some parts of the world, such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, "motor car" is still occasionally used to avoid confusion with other, non-passenger-carrying vehicles that may be referred to as "cars," such as cargo vans or tractors.