Automobiles
Automobiles are wheeled motor vehicles used for transportation, usually designed for carrying passengers. They are powered by engines using a volatile fuel. Depending on their design, they may be built for off-road or limited-access road use. Specialized automobiles are also made for emergency situations, such as fire trucks, ambulances and patrol cars. The automotive industry is an important part of the economy. It generates significant revenue and employs a large number of people in the manufacturing sector. In addition, it is one of the major consumers of steel and petroleum products.
The development of the modern automobile started in the late 19th century. It was a catalyst for change in twentieth-century society, becoming the backbone of a consumer goods-oriented culture and revolutionizing ancillary industries such as petroleum, steel, and electrical power. During its heyday, the American automobile industry produced cars at unprecedented rates. Hundreds of companies competed for market share, and the industry quickly became an extremely competitive business. Ford’s mass production techniques, introduced in the 1920s, enabled a small number of automakers to dominate the industry.
Today, there are over a million car models available to buyers worldwide. These cars are powered by engines that run on different types of fuel such as gasoline (carburetor internal combustion engine), diesel, kerosene, or electricity. The engines convert the chemical energy of the fuel into mechanical energy, which turns the wheels of the automobile.
A variety of other devices are needed to make an automobile function, such as a transmission system to convert the mechanical power into torque that drives the wheels. Other systems include a brake system to slow or stop the car, a steering system to control the direction of travel, and electrical equipment to light and operate the vehicle’s accessories.
Modern automotive engineering has made extensive use of advanced materials and technologies, such as high-strength plastics and metal alloys. The automotive industry has also adopted electronic control systems, computer technology and the Internet, which allow drivers to connect with a wide range of information services.
The automobile is a symbol of freedom and personal mobility. It allows people to live independently without relying on others for transport or waiting for the next bus or train. The automobile can also be a source of pride, especially when customized for personal style and taste.
In the postwar era, however, concerns about nonfunctional styling and quality, air pollution and a drain on dwindling oil reserves made Americans begin to lose market share to imported cars from Germany and Japan. The postwar period also saw a slackening of research and development investment, as many American automakers concentrated on war production. In the 1960s, a number of manufacturers introduced small cars with new designs that were functional, economical and safe. These cars, including the Volkswagen Beetle and Honda Civic, helped revive American automotive engineering. They were the precursors of more sophisticated hybrid, electric and autonomous cars that are expected to transform the industry in the future.