An automobile, or car, is a wheeled vehicle built principally for transporting people. Most definitions specify that it must have four wheels and a motor to make it move, and that it be constructed for use on roads. Typically, it is designed to carry up to seven people and have seating for at least four. It may be powered by an internal combustion engine, electricity, or some other means of propulsion. The modern car is a complex technical system containing thousands of subsystems, each with specific design functions.
The history of the automobile goes back several hundred years, and it was largely invented by a combination of scientific and technical innovations. A steam, electric, and gasoline powered automobile competed for decades until the 1920s when the gasoline internal combustion engine dominated.
Automobiles have opened up our world. It is now possible to travel great distances without the need for a guide or a horse. This has created a whole new realm of possibilities for work and for personal life.
OWNERSHIP OF A CAR SAVES TIME: The ability to cross town in minutes saves a lot of time on your day by day drive, shopping trips, or visits to family and friends. Time is a precious commodity that can be hard to find, so having a car lets you make the most of it.
EASY COMMUNICATION: The ability to travel long distances without having to worry about public transportation means that you can go on business trips or take vacations with ease. You can also cover short trips to see friends and family, visit your doctor or dentist, or take your kids to a sporting event.
SAFETY: The automobile provides a safe and convenient way to get around, with the exception of some rural road conditions. There are many safety features built into most cars today, including air bags, seat belts, and antilock brakes. Many of these features have been improved over the years with new technological developments, such as computerized systems that control the vehicle and safety electronics.
The first automobiles were designed by Karl Benz of Germany in 1885. He had a vision of a vehicle that could run primarily on gasoline and not need to be pulled by horses, which was a common mode of transport at the time. In the early 1900s, Henry Ford revolutionized the manufacturing process and made automobiles affordable for most middle-class families. Ford’s assembly line allowed manufacturers to make a large number of the same model with a few basic variations, which reduced the price and increased the availability of automobiles for everyone. Today, there are more than 590 million automobiles on the world’s roads. Some of them are a bit more stylish than others, but all of them go “vroom.” It’s no wonder that the automobile is considered one of the most significant inventions in human history! The future looks even brighter for this indispensable machine.