Automobiles are vehicles that are driven by a motor. The most common motor is a gasoline internal combustion engine, but electric and hybrid automobiles are also available. Modern automobiles have a complex set of mechanical systems. Some of these are designed to make the car run and control its speed and others are there to provide safety. The design and safety of automobiles have influenced society. People have used automobiles to express their independence and status. Women have used them to advocate for their rights. The automobile has also brought a new commercial vitality to rural areas.
The history of the automobile began in the late 19th century. There were many inventors and engineers working independently to create a self-propelled vehicle that would be suitable for transportation on public roads. Karl Benz is usually credited with developing the first true automobile, powered by an internal combustion engine. This engine made his Benz Patent-Motorwagen more efficient than previous engines and was capable of propelling the car at higher speeds than other machines could manage.
Early automobiles were expensive and only wealthy people owned them. Many of the companies that produced these vehicles were small shops that only manufactured a few cars per year, and they almost all abandoned the automobile business soon after they started it. The handful that survived usually fell into one of three categories: bicycle manufacturers, builders of horse-drawn carriages, or manufacturers of machinery.
In the 20th century, the number of automobiles began to grow rapidly as a result of industrialization and economic expansion in most parts of the world. This growth accelerated during the 1920s as the automobile became more affordable to more middle-class families. However, in the 1930s market saturation and technological stagnation caused the automotive industry to slow to a crawl. With the onset of World War II, automakers devoted most of their attention to making vehicles for the military. The postwar period saw a revival of interest in the automobile. However, by the 1960s concern over the nonfunctional styling of American cars and concerns about a dwindling supply of petroleum in the world caused a decline in automobile production and sales.
In recent years, automobiles have been undergoing a major transformation. The major manufacturers are shifting to hybrid, electrical, and autonomous vehicles as consumers demand more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly options. These vehicles are expected to dominate the market in the future, replacing traditional gasoline-powered models. They are also introducing smaller and lighter automobiles that are easier to maneuver and park in tight spaces. These changes will likely have a significant impact on the way that we live and work. These changes will also affect the environment, as automobiles are a large source of air pollution. Some people are already taking action by walking, using public transit if possible, or carpooling to reduce their dependence on the automobile. These trends will have long-term effects on the world economy and our ability to live in a healthy environment.