The automobile was one of the major technologies that began transforming modern life in the first decades of the twentieth century. Invented in 1885 by German engineer Karl Benz, automobiles are wheeled vehicles that are self-propelled. They have an engine that uses gasoline, diesel or electric power to move. The car revolutionized society by giving people more freedom and choice in where they live and what they do. They also helped create new jobs and industries to provide the fuel, roads and other infrastructure needed for cars.
Having your own vehicle gives you the independence to not have to rely on other people for rides or to travel far distances to work and other appointments. This makes it possible to expand your social circle and to work in different areas if you wish. In addition, it can give you a greater flexibility in choosing the type of house you want to live in and can increase your employment possibilities.
If you want to buy a new automobile, you can find a wide range of options from manufacturers around the world. There are many features to consider when selecting a new automobile, including the design, body and interior, engine and drive system, passenger comfort and performance, safety and emission control systems. Research and development engineers have been constantly working to improve the car’s performance, handling and stability.
The automobile has a long history and a number of different inventors contributed to its development. The first automobiles were built for the wealthy, and they were hand-built by skilled mechanics. Henry Ford, a businessman and engineer, introduced mass production techniques to the industry with his Model T automobile in 1910. The price of the Model T was affordable for middle-class Americans, and it opened up a mass market for personal transportation.
In the early years of the automobile, manufacturers struggled to reconcile state-of-the-art designs with a moderate price that would appeal to consumers. The Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal characterized the 1901-1906 one-cylinder, three-horsepower, tiller-steered Oldsmobile as “a motorized horse buggy.” Despite its lack of refinement, this car sold for $650, putting it within reach of most middle-class Americans. By the end of the 1920s, the Big Three of American automakers—Ford, General Motors and Chrysler—controlled 80% of the market.