Automobiles are a means of transportation that allows people to travel long distances and go places they would not otherwise be able to. They have become essential to modern life in most developed nations. They allow us to work, shop, and socialize without being dependent on others or having to schedule a ride. In addition to the freedom they provide, automobiles also help the economy by providing jobs in the manufacturing industry.
The automobile was first invented in the late 1600s when Christiaan Huygens developed a type of internal engine that could be sparked by gunpowder. Huygens’ invention was not commercially successful. However, by the end of the 19th century many of the scientific and technical building blocks for the modern automobile were in place. Three main types of car engines were available for use by the early 1900s: steam, electric power and gasoline. Steam cars could drive fast but had limited range and were difficult to start. Electric vehicles had a 38 percent share of the U.S. market in 1900 but were slow and had a short battery life. Gasoline-powered cars were more economical than either steam or electric power. The 1908 Model T became the most popular vehicle in the world, and Henry Ford revolutionized automotive production techniques by developing the assembly line. These processes allowed factories to produce cars at a rate that was affordable for most middle-class families.
Modern automobiles are complex technical systems with thousands of parts. The design of the body, chassis, engine, transmission, controls, and other components is influenced by a number of factors including the intended use and operating environment of the car. For example, off-road automobiles require rugged, simple designs that can withstand severe overloads and extreme operating conditions. On the other hand, high-speed road automobiles must have sophisticated systems that optimize passenger comfort and engine performance while maintaining stability at high speeds.
As the automobile became more popular, it brought with it new industries such as insurance and repair service, motels, hotels and restaurants, leisure activities such as amusement parks and recreation, and food delivery services. It also contributed to the development of suburbia, which provided a new way for families to live. However, automobiles also caused harm to the environment through exhaust pollution and drained world oil supplies. Governmental regulations to address these concerns have resulted in new laws and safety features for motorists.
In the postwar period, engineering was often subordinated to questionable aesthetics and nonfunctional styling, and quality declined. The higher unit profits that Detroit could earn on its gas-guzzling “road cruisers” came at the social cost of increased air pollution and a drain on dwindling world oil reserves. This trend has been reversed in recent years as the automobile industry has focused on improving fuel efficiency and safety, while reducing emissions and energy consumption. This has resulted in a growing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles. These innovations have also made it possible for manufacturers to reduce prices and increase market penetration.