German engineer Rudolf Diesel, of modest birth, dreams of designing a new type of combustion motor, efficient enough to make machine power affordable for the masses. He neglected to play on safe concerning the patent, which would cost him dearly. Leading industrialist Krupp decided to work with him to contribute the Diesel engine to the imperial Kriegsmarine's rush to technologically and strategically challenge the British Royal Navy, not what naive idealistic pacifist Diesel intended. After naval applications, especially in submarines, others like for cars would follow much later. Rudolf himself disappeared mysteriously, wile feared he would sell his knowhow to England, aboard a cruisers in 1913.
—KGF Vissers