The automobile is a four-wheeled passenger vehicle designed primarily for personal transportation. It is usually propelled by an internal combustion engine using a volatile fuel. The modern automobile is a complex technical system employing many subsystems with specific design functions. Its development has been influenced by a number of factors, including advancements in technology and the emergence of environmental and safety issues.
The earliest self-propelled vehicles were steam or electric powered, but the gasoline internal combustion engine came to dominate in the 1910s. Inventors like Nikolaus Otto and Gottlieb Daimler experimented with various engines, but the United States was the first country to mass produce motor vehicles. With its vast territory and relatively high per capita income, America was a natural market for cars. The American manufacturing tradition also lent itself to the use of an assembly line, in which workers do one task and car parts pass on a conveyor belt.
As production of cars grew, more and more manufacturers entered the business. Some of them specialized in different segments, such as luxury or economy models. Some marketed their products nationally and some internationally, while others remained independent.
By the mid-1930s the automobile industry had consolidated into large companies. Ford, General Motors (GM), and Chrysler had a combined share of more than half the U.S. market. Other major firms existed in Europe, especially Germany, which had become a center of automotive engineering.
Automobiles have played a vital role in the history of civilization, as well as in the development of nations. They have become a symbol of freedom and a major source of employment, both domestically and abroad. They have also created a wide range of consumer and business markets. During World War II, the automobile industry produced a wide variety of military and civilian equipment in addition to the vehicles themselves.
Automobiles are a necessity for most people who live in urban areas, and for those living in rural regions with limited public transport options. Having your own car saves you time, which is valuable in our fast-paced society. It eliminates the need to depend on other people, which can lead to stress and delays in your schedule. It also gives you the option to choose your own route, and not worry about making it to a stop in time. The more time you have, the better you can plan your daily activities and spend quality time with your family. It is the perfect choice for busy families.
