Automobiles are powered by internal combustion engines and are the most common mode of land transportation. They are often fueled with gasoline, although they can also be powered by natural gas, electricity or diesel fuel. They are generally designed for passenger transport, with a driver and one or more passengers. Depending on the type of automobile, different systems are employed to control its speed and direction, including steering, brakes, throttle, suspension and power generation. Some vehicles are designed to be used off-road, requiring durable, simple systems and high resistance to extreme overloads and operating conditions. Others are designed for road use, requiring a more comfortable ride and optimized high-speed handling and stability.
The automobile revolutionized American life in the 1920s, when it became the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society. It gave people more freedom of movement and allowed families to vacation together and shop in towns and cities. It led to the development of services such as motels, hotels and restaurants that catered to the demands of automobile travelers. It also created jobs in ancillary industries such as steel and petroleum. However, the automobile also brought harm to the environment, with its exhaust fumes contributing to air pollution and consuming large amounts of undeveloped land for highways and related infrastructure.
Karl Benz invented the first automobile in 1885, and other inventors developed improved versions of his design. By the late 1800s, Germany and France had dominated automotive production. But it was American businessman Henry Ford who revolutionized automobile production in the early 20th century by introducing an assembly line, where workers perform one task at a time while cars move past on conveyer belts. This enabled him to produce the Model T at a lower price, making it affordable for middle-class families.
Cars are now a part of everyday life in most countries, and there are more than 73 million automobiles in the world today. Some are electric, but most are powered by a variety of fuels, including gasoline, which is the most popular worldwide. In recent years, alternative fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel have become more popular in some places because of their reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Modern life would be impossible without the automobile. It allows individuals to travel long distances with relative ease and convenience, which is important for work, school and play. It is also convenient for families, who can visit relatives, friends and business associates in other areas. It is also a mode of transportation that is affordable for most people, and it provides freedom from the restrictions of public transportation or walking. Those who don’t own a car can be dependent on others to travel, and this may not always be an option. Those who are unable to afford a car can also be hampered by poor road or weather conditions. Moreover, cars can be expensive to maintain and repair, as well as costly to insure. However, the benefits outweigh these drawbacks.