Automobiles have played a major role in modern society. They have changed how we think about transportation and they have created new industries.
The first automobiles were steam-powered and electrically powered. They had many disadvantages, such as lack of turn signals, seat belts, and windshields.
As economic development occurred in the United States, the demand for automobiles grew. Henry Ford invented the assembly line, which reduced the cost of building cars.
The automotive industry grew rapidly during the early twentieth century. It was a major factor in American’s middle class growth. People could afford a car, which gave them more freedom.
Today, the automotive industry is highly technical. Thousands of components make up the automobile. These include the engine, chassis, body, suspension, and brakes. Manufacturers use research and development engineers to improve these systems.
Modern automobiles are driven by water-cooled piston-type internal-combustion engines. Some also use diesel engines. Other types of engines are air-cooled.
Generally, an automobile can be used for passenger transportation, but some are also designed for the transportation of goods. Passenger vehicles are usually gasoline-powered. Typically, an automobile has a four-wheel drive.
The design of the car depends on the intended use. Cars are normally designed for two to six passengers. However, they can also be designed to carry a large number of passengers, like a bus.
The history of the automobile has been a long one. Early accounts credit Karl Benz of Germany with the invention of the first true automobile in 1885/1886.