Automobiles are wheeled vehicles designed to run primarily on roads and seat one to seven people. They are powered by an internal combustion engine fueled with volatile fuel and have specific design functions such as stability, traction, handling, and performance. The automobile has had a profound impact on society. It has changed the way people work, shop, and socialize. It has created new jobs, reshaped old ones, and changed the face of cities and suburbs across the world. It has reshaped the lives of many families and brought them closer together, but it has also contributed to the decline of some family units.
It is a vehicle that embodies the promise and the perils of the modern age. Whether it is a roaring Model T Ford that rolled off the assembly line in the early 1900s, or an artful mid-century modern model that cruises U.S. highways and byways today, the automobile reflects the deepest inclinations of humankind to pursue personal freedoms and the need for a clear set of guidelines on how people should live together in a large community.
The first automobiles were built in Europe toward the end of the nineteenth century by men such as Siegfried Marcus, Karl Benz and Nicolaus Otto. By 1870, Benz had fitted a handcart with his own internal combustion gasoline-powered two-stroke engine. Later, he improved this model and in 1888 or 1889 built a more advanced version with a four-stroke engine of his own design. The 1901 Mercedes is generally credited with being the first modern motorcar in all respects.
Having your own car gives you the freedom to travel when you want and to go where you want, without having to worry about getting to work on time or missing the bus. Having your own vehicle can also save you a lot of money, especially in the long run. You will no longer have to pay for taxis or buses and you can spend that extra cash on other things that you need or enjoy.
It is important to remember that an automobile is a complex mechanical system. Its design depends on the use that is made of it and the demands placed on it. For example, an automobile designed to drive off-road will need durable systems that are resistant to severe overloads and extreme operating conditions. Similarly, a high-speed automobile needs optimized engine performance and handling characteristics for optimum safety and ride quality. These design issues are the subject of continuous research and development by the world’s automotive manufacturers. The auto industry is also highly regulated by government and environmental agencies. It is a major part of the world economy, and a major source of employment worldwide. Almost all industrialized countries produce automobiles. There are more than 50 million passenger cars produced each year, and most of them are gasoline-powered. Electric and hybrid-electric cars are becoming increasingly popular as fuel prices increase and concerns about global warming grow.