Automobiles are self-propelled vehicles that do not use horses or other animal power to work. They are often powered by an internal combustion engine, using gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene. Cars can also be powered by electricity or by steam.
The scientific and technical building blocks of the automobile go back several hundred years. The term “automobile” means “self-moving carriage.” Its early history is largely the story of competition among inventors and engineers to make cars more reliable, efficient, affordable and safe.
By the mid-19th century, automobiles had become relatively cheap to purchase and easy to operate. They could cover long distances and serve the needs of Americans who wanted to expand their horizons and explore new territory. As a result, Americans moved away from cities and into suburbs where they could have their own house surrounded by a lawn and a driveway.
People who drive cars enjoy a lot of freedom. They can travel to work or school and visit friends and family members in different locations. They can also go shopping or take a vacation in a few hours.
Cars are the most common type of motor vehicle. Each year more than 5 59 million automobiles are produced in the world. They are used by individuals, businesses and governments for transporting people, goods and services. They are an important source of employment in many countries, particularly those where public transportation systems are limited or unavailable.
While there are many advantages to the automobile, it is not without its problems. Millions of people are injured or killed in automobile accidents each year. Their use causes air pollution that is linked to climate change. And they drain the world’s dwindling oil supplies.
Throughout the history of automobiles, they have been designed in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to meet many different needs. The modern car is a highly complex machine with many mechanical and electrical parts that are continually evolving to improve performance, safety and comfort. The automobile is made up of the chassis, bodywork, interior, control system and power train. Depending on the design and the type of car, the power train can be gasoline (carburetor internal combustion), diesel, electric or gas turbine.
The first automobiles were powered by steam, electricity or battery-powered engines. But steam engines were expensive and hard to start. Later, Siegfried Marcus developed the internal combustion engine in a small automobile that ran on gasoline. The design was a hit, and automobiles became increasingly popular. The first car manufacturers were James and William Packard, Ransom Olds, Emile Levassor and Armand Peugeot in France and Karl Benz of Germany. By the late 1880s, Henry Ford’s production innovations, such as the assembly line, had revolutionized the automobile industry. He introduced the Model T in 1908.