Automobiles are four-wheeled vehicles that can transport passengers and have a gas or electric engine for propulsion. The automotive industry is one of the largest industries in the world. It has transformed society in many ways and provides jobs for millions of people worldwide. But it also creates problems and causes pollution. Automobiles can be expensive to operate, but they can provide a form of transportation that is convenient and comfortable.
Automobile is the Latin word for “of itself.” The automobile was the first modern machine designed to run on its own without constant human guidance. Its development is an important milestone in the history of modern technology and a major force in twentieth-century American culture. The automobile was a major factor in the development of an industrialized consumer goods society and provided the backbone of the new economy by the 1920s, ranking as the number one source of value in the country. It was the major customer of steel and petroleum, and it revolutionized the technologies of these ancillary industries.
The automobile was a major factor in the growth of suburban areas. Up until the advent of cars, it was difficult for most families to move away from their homes to live farther from town because of the time and expense involved in travel. In addition, a car can be used for leisure trips such as shopping or vacationing.
There are several factors that influence the design and development of an automobile. For example, the design of the vehicle must be based on its intended use and must have systems that can withstand severe overloads and operating conditions. The safety of the passenger is also a key consideration when designing an automobile. Other important aspects are the engine, transmission, and wheels. The engine generates power for the car and can be regulated to provide more or less power depending on driving conditions. The transmission transfers the power from the engine to the wheels, and the wheels turn the tires that propel the car.
Many of the automotive manufacturers in the world were originally companies that made other products such as firearms or sewing machines, but later decided to enter the automobile business. For example, Toyota was founded as the Toyoda Loom Works in 1889 and manufactured textile machinery until 1950 when they decided to produce automobiles. Honda, Nissan, and Mazda were also companies that originally produced non-automotive equipment and later began production of vehicles.
In the United States, the vast territory of the nation and the high population density created a great need for automobile transportation. A number of automobile manufacturers emerged, competing to offer advanced models at moderate prices. This competition encouraged a rapid evolution of automotive technology. Among the first innovations were electric ignition and the electric self-starter (developed by Charles Kettering for General Motors in 1910), independent suspension, and four-wheel brakes. These features soon became standard on most cars.