Automobiles are a complex system of components that work together to power, control and steer vehicles. The heart of every automobile is its engine. It produces the power to turn the wheels and electricity for lights and other systems. The engine is also the source of heat that keeps passengers comfortable on long trips.
Few inventions have had as much influence on our lives as the automobile. It reshaped business and influenced culture in ways that no one could have imagined when Henry Ford first put together his mass production operation for the Model T runabout in 1910. Some might even say that Americana as we know it wouldn’t exist without the car.
The automobile ushered in an era that some might call the Age of Electronics, bringing with it new forms of communication and information and a new form of entertainment. With its ability to transport people and goods around the globe, it spawned a new global economy. It also brought urban amenities to rural areas, stimulating participation in outdoor recreation and creating roadside industries such as gas stations, restaurants and motels. The automobile also triggered the expansion of transportation infrastructure, a major item of government expenditure, peaking with the construction of interstate highways in the 1950s.
Although the automobile was invented and perfected in Europe during the late 1800s, it quickly became a dominant force in the United States. The nation’s vast land area and a population spread more evenly across its territory made it an ideal market for automotive transportation. Additionally, American manufacturers enjoyed a competitive advantage in manufacturing costs over that of European producers.
As automobile technology advanced, many innovations were introduced to improve their driving capabilities and passenger comfort. For example, air conditioning was developed to keep the interior of a vehicle cool in summer and warm in winter. Modern braking systems have improved to reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries and to increase vehicle safety. Other innovations include safety belts, child safety seats and navigational aids such as GPS units.
Today, the automobile is a global industry that employs millions of people worldwide. Approximately 4.25 million people are employed directly in auto production and another 3.5 million work in related industries such as parts, service, retail and dealerships. Automobiles are one of the largest segments of the world economy and they are a vital part of our daily lives. They transport us to work, school and play, and they allow us to visit friends and family. They are a great convenience for the modern family, allowing us to travel farther and more safely than ever before.
Whether you drive a fuel-efficient hybrid, an eco-friendly electric, or a powerful V8, an automobile is the most important and most common way that we move through our lives. Despite the many benefits of cars, they are not without their drawbacks. They pollute the environment, cause millions of deaths in traffic accidents each year and consume huge amounts of energy. In addition, they often require maintenance and repair and can be expensive to purchase.