Automobiles
An automobile is a wheeled vehicle designed to carry passengers and run primarily on roads. It is powered by an internal combustion engine and consists of one to seven seats, four wheels, and a chassis. Most modern automobiles are gasoline-powered, although electric and diesel-powered vehicles also exist. Some are built to run on alternative fuels, including methanol and vegetable oil.
Automobiles are an important part of society. They enable people to travel to work and school, visit friends and family, and conduct business. In addition, automobiles help connect communities and create jobs. In the United States, there are more than 1.4 billion cars in operation, and Americans drive three trillion miles every year.
Invented in the late nineteenth century, the automobile has become an integral part of the American way of life. It has transformed the United States into a consumer-goods oriented society and helped fuel the nation’s economic growth. The automobile has become the main source of mobility for most families and has ushered in a new generation of transportation technology such as air conditioning, power steering, and safety belts.
The automobile’s greatest contribution may have been its influence on the development of cities and suburbs. It brought urban amenities, such as schools, hospitals, and shopping centers, to rural America. It ended the isolation of farmers and their families. The car fueled the growth of roadside businesses such as gas stations, service stations, and motels. It also encouraged outdoor recreation and the development of tourism industries.
At the turn of the twentieth century, automobiles had overtaken streets and highways in Europe and the United States. The mass production techniques developed by Henry Ford revolutionized industrial manufacturing. This allowed Ford and other American manufacturers to produce millions of cars at a time, which reduced the price until it was affordable to middle-class families. The American auto industry became dominated by the Big Three of Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, which remained dominant after World War II.
While the automobile has contributed to the growth of many industries, it is still a major source of pollution and is harmful to the environment. As a result, it is a target of regulatory agencies and environmental groups around the world. Increasingly stringent requirements for fuel efficiency, emissions, and safety have prompted the introduction of alternative fuels for automobiles and the development of environmentally friendly technologies such as electric engines and hybrid-electric drives.
As these technologies are implemented, the use of gasoline and other fossil fuels will decline. This will reduce pollution and protect the climate. High fuel prices are encouraging some consumers to buy lighter, more efficient cars and to avoid driving altogether. However, these changes are resisted by those who have an interest in maintaining the massive economy of car culture. As long as personal freedom of movement remains a priority, the demand for cars will remain strong. There are currently over 1.4 billion passenger cars in operation worldwide. This number will increase to almost 2 billion by 2025.