Automobiles are the vehicles that people use for transportation. They are often fueled by gas or diesel and are designed to run primarily on roads. People can depend on automobiles for many reasons including work, family and leisure activities. These vehicles can also help you get to your destination quickly. They are also used to transport goods. The automotive industry provides jobs to thousands of people worldwide.
Modern life is impossible, or at least highly inconvenient, without the automobile. Cars now make up the lion’s share of the world’s road and rail traffic and have given rise to new industries, services and lifestyles. Despite their harm to the environment and their contribution to air pollution, they provide an unparalleled level of convenience, mobility, and freedom of movement for most of us.
The first automobiles were developed in Germany and France in the late 1800s. By the 1920s, Henry Ford had innovated modern mass production techniques and produced his Model T runabout at a price less than the average annual wage. This made personal “automobility” a reality for middle-class Americans.
After World War II, GM, Ford and Chrysler became the dominant automakers in the United States, and they began to export their cars to other countries. By the 1980s, automobile production had become a global enterprise. The modern automobile combines an advanced engineering system with sophisticated design features. It is a complex technical system, and its development has been spurred by advances in computer technology, high-strength plastics, and alloys of steel and nonferrous metals.
The branch of engineering that deals with the manufacture and technologies of automobiles is known as automotive engineering. The word “automobile” is derived from the French words autos (self) and Mobilis (movable). It refers to a vehicle that can move by itself without being pushed, pulled, rolled, carried, or dragged.
SAVES YOU TIME: Having a car means you don’t have to worry about getting to the bus stop on time or coordinating your schedule with a friend. With the ability to take off in a moment, you can get to your destinations faster and spend more time on your own or with friends.
SAFETY: When something goes wrong, having a car to go to the hospital or call for help can make all the difference. Whether it is a medical emergency or a natural disaster, being able to reach your destination swiftly and safely gives you the peace of mind you need.
The earliest automobiles were powered by steam, electricity, or battery. As the industry grew, however, manufacturers turned to internal combustion engines to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The gasoline-powered automobile revolutionized the economy by providing access to jobs, homes, and leisure activities for most families. It also led to the development of new industries, such as rubber and later plastics. Service providers like gas stations and convenience stores also sprang up to meet the needs of automobile drivers.