Automobiles are vehicles that use an internal combustion engine to move. The engine turns the wheels and generates electricity to power lights, radios and other systems. They are usually powered by gasoline, although hybrid and electric cars can also be found. Hundreds of different types of automobiles exist. Some are designed to transport people and luggage. Other kinds are designed for cargo, and still others are special (such as fire engines or emergency vehicles). The automobile revolutionized the way humans live. It opened up huge new areas that were previously impossible to reach by foot or on horseback. Automobiles also helped us get where we want to go quickly, without worrying about weather conditions or bus schedules.
The modern car first appeared in the late 1800s. Karl Benz used a four-stroke type of internal combustion engine to build his Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1886, and the vehicle began to sell well. Gottlieb Daimler also built vehicles using a four-stroke engine, but they were not as successful as the Benz cars. By 1900, gas-powered cars dominated the market, while steam and battery-powered electric cars struggled to gain acceptance.
Despite the initial difficulties, car production quickly became a major industry. The United States accounted for more than half of the world’s production by 1920. American manufacturers innovated production methods that were adopted by carmakers around the world. The introduction of the assembly line, where workers do one task while parts pass by on a conveyor belt, made automobile manufacturing highly efficient.
By the early 20th century, most American families owned a car and most cities had established road networks. This helped the nation grow into an industrial giant. However, the growth of automobiles was accompanied by concerns about their safety, lack of functional design, and energy efficiency. People began to worry about the dwindling world oil supply and environmental pollution.
In addition to providing a form of transportation, the automobile has provided many jobs. Millions of people work in factories where they make cars and in the gas stations, restaurants and motels that travelers stop at. Millions of other people drive them or work in the shops that service and repair them.
Today, automobiles are designed to be environmentally friendly. Manufacturers are working on reducing carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles and are using alternative fuels. Hybrid and electric vehicles are also becoming more popular. The automotive industry has also expanded to include companies that produce replacement parts and accessories, such as batteries and tires.
In the United States, the automobile has long symbolized freedom of movement and action. Automobiles are convenient, and they can carry more passengers than buses or trains. They can also travel over rough roads or terrain where other wheeled vehicles cannot easily go. Automobiles are expensive, though, and they consume large amounts of gasoline and other fuel. They also cause air pollution and traffic congestion. Moreover, they are often associated with obesity and accidents. Nevertheless, most Americans feel that the benefits of owning an automobile outweigh the negatives.