Automobiles are motor vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine that converts gasoline, diesel fuel, or other combustibles into energy to move. These engines are usually water-cooled, piston-type, and mount in the front of the car to provide power to the driving wheels. An automobile can also have an electric motor that provides additional power or can be used to recharge the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine during cruising. Many modern cars are designed to use a combination of gasoline and electricity, and some hybrids can even be driven in electric-only mode.
The automotive industry is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, with about 1.4 billion passenger vehicles in operation worldwide. They transport more than three trillion miles (five trillion kilometers) each year, with most of the mileage in the United States. These vehicles consume enormous quantities of petroleum and other raw materials, which makes the auto industry one of the world’s leading consumers of oil and steel. It is also a major employer and provides important technological advances for other industries.
Karl Benz is credited with inventing the first automobile in 1885, but the American businessman Henry Ford was responsible for making them affordable to middle-class Americans. His assembly line and his focus on cost and efficiency made mass production possible, and his Model T brought the automobile into the lives of millions of people for the first time.
By the 1920s, the automobile had become the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society, and it was America’s most valuable and biggest source of wealth. It accounted for one out of six jobs in the country, was a major customer of steel and petroleum companies, and revolutionized the economy by boosting sales of household appliances and consumer goods. The automobile also created a large market for insurance and expanded social freedoms by giving families the ability to vacation in remote areas, urban dwellers could escape to the countryside, and rural residents were able to shop in towns and cities.
The development of an automobile requires careful consideration of many factors, including its weight, dimensions, and operating requirements. Its structure must be strong enough to withstand crashes and abrasion, yet it must also be light enough to allow for high speed travel. Safety is another key factor; good visibility is essential, and the driver must be able to control the vehicle easily and safely. A vehicle’s design must be economical for manufacturing and assembly, and the overall appearance should appeal to the consumer. In addition, the engine must be powerful and reliable enough to allow for long trips at high speeds. For these reasons, engineers must continually test their designs. They also need to take into account the latest technical developments to make sure their designs are competitive and up-to-date. To stay ahead of the competition, engineers must also look at ways to increase fuel efficiency and reduce pollution. They can accomplish this by improving the aerodynamics of the vehicle or by using alternative sources of energy.