Automobiles are vehicles that run on a liquid fuel (gasoline or diesel) to produce mechanical energy which turns the wheels of the car and moves it forward or in reverse. The engine is connected to the wheels by a transmission that can be controlled for various speeds. The vehicle also has brakes to slow or stop the automobile. Special automobiles are designed for emergency situations such as fire engines, ambulances and patrol cars.
The automobile was first invented in the late 1800s and perfected in Germany and France by engineers like Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz. Businessman Henry Ford improved the manufacturing process, making it possible to mass-produce cars and make them affordable for middle class families. By 1920, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler dominated the automobile industry. The automobile spawned a host of new industries and created thousands of jobs. For example, demand for vulcanized rubber skyrocketed as state and local governments began to build highways.
OPENS THE WORLD: With a car, people can travel long distances with ease and visit friends and family in distant places. In addition, having a car opens up job opportunities and allows one to choose where they live in relation to work.
AUTOMOBILES ARE THE BACKBONE OF A NEW CONSUMER GOODS ORIENTED SOCIETY: By the 1920s, the automobile was one of the main sources of income for steel and petroleum industries and its demand drove the development of new technologies in a wide range of ancillary industries such as tires, glass and paint. This consumer goods oriented society was built around the automobile and gave rise to new social changes such as women’s suffrage.
INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT: During the 1910s and 1920s, new developments in car technology included electric starters and ignition systems as well as better and safer seats and steering wheel controls. In addition, the use of gasoline as a fuel for cars increased to allow for much greater speeds. This increased speed allowed for faster and more efficient delivery of products to consumers, which in turn helped stimulate the economy.
SAFETY & SECURITY: The automobile revolutionized the way we live and work. However, there are negative aspects to this revolution such as traffic jams, accidents and fatalities. Because of this, many states had to create licensing regulations and safety standards for drivers and manufacturers had to develop features such as airbags, seat belts, and stability control to help reduce the risk of injury or death.
As the world continues to become more interconnected, the automobile is still one of the most important tools for daily life. It is the most widely used mode of transportation in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. There are so many benefits to owning a car: you can get to work on time, go shopping when it’s convenient for you, and spend more time with your loved ones. The automobile is the backbone of a modern society that continues to grow and expand, and it’s an exciting time for those who own and drive automobiles.