WASHINGTON -- It was clear from President Obama's address to Congress on Tuesday that he's a believer in the American automobile industry, but his grasp of automotive history suggests he could use a refresher course.

Obama said his administration won't protect auto makers from their own bad practices but is committed to a retooled auto industry, saying, "I believe the nation that invented the automobile cannot walk away from it."

The problem: The credit for internal combustion engines generally is given to German engineer, Karl Benz, who designed and built the world's first practical automobile in 1885. A steam-powered car was invented in 1769 by French inventor Nicolas Cugnot. Americans, on the other hand, are given credit for the mass production of cars.

Nevertheless, Obama said millions of jobs and scores of communities depend on saving the industry. His administration is weighing the fate of General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC. The two have received more than $17 billion in federal loans and are seeking an additional $21.6 billion.

Both automakers have pressing needs. General Motors has said it could run out of money by the end of March and needs $2 billion next month and $2.6 billion in April to remain solvent.

Chrysler has requested an additional $5 billion in loans and wants the government to approve an alliance with Fiat SpA.

FOXNews.com's Gary Gastelu, FOX News' Mike Majchrowitz and the Associated Press contributed to this report.