Automobiles (also known as cars or motorcars) are self-propelled vehicles designed to carry a driver and passengers. They use an internal combustion engine fueled most often by gasoline, and are primarily used for transportation, although they may also be equipped to serve as cargo haulers. Other forms of transport include motorcycles, trains (steam-powered, diesel-powered or monorail), buses and trams. The automobile industry is one of the largest worldwide industries.
The automobile has had a profound effect on society and culture. It allows people living in the city to visit rural areas, and vice versa. It has allowed for a great expansion of industry and commerce, facilitating greater access to jobs, products, services, and resources. It has also provided people with more freedom in their leisure time, allowing them to travel farther and faster than ever before.
Karl Benz invented the modern automobile in 1885, but it was not until the first decade of the twentieth century that a large number of manufacturers came to market with mass-produced models. Henry Ford revolutionized the industry in 1913 with the introduction of the assembly line, where workers remain in place and perform a single task as parts are moved past them on a conveyor belt. This greatly reduced production costs, allowing more people to afford cars.
Today, there are an estimated 1.4 billion automobiles in operation around the world. This is a tremendous increase from the beginning of the twentieth century, when there were only a few hundred thousand automobiles in existence. Many new technological developments have made cars easier to operate, more comfortable, and safer. For example, air conditioning and power steering have become standard features. New materials and methods of manufacturing are constantly being developed, with some manufacturers producing vehicles with aluminum bodies and steel section pillars paired with aluminum paneling or all-aluminum bodies with the pillars, frames, and structures fabricated from aluminum components.
In addition, safety has become a major issue in the design of automobiles. Vehicles are equipped with seatbelts, airbags, and other safety equipment. Some even feature antilock braking systems to prevent skidding or rolling in hazardous situations. Many governments have adopted laws to make driving safer, and traffic congestion has been minimized with the development of highways.
Cars are expensive to maintain and repair, but they offer a lot of benefits. Most drivers enjoy the independence and self-reliance that comes with having a car. They can get to work or school when they want, rather than having to wait for a bus or rely on friends to give them rides. Cars also allow people to spend more time with their family and children.
The negative aspects of automobiles are their environmental impact. They emit greenhouse gases, a significant contributor to global climate change. Most of these emissions come from gasoline-powered cars. However, there are ways to limit this problem by buying and operating a fuel-efficient automobile and maintaining it properly. Other negative impacts on the environment include smog and noise pollution.