Automobiles are the world’s most widely used mode of land transportation, with more than 73 million vehicles produced in 2018. An automobile (also known as a motorcar or auto) is a wheeled, four-wheeled vehicle designed primarily for passenger transport, powered by an internal combustion engine using a volatile fuel. It has become a symbol of the American lifestyle and culture, from the Model T Fords that first rolled off assembly lines in the early 1900s to the artful mid-century modern designs that cruised highways in the 1950s. The automobile has also been a force for change in society. It spawned new industries and jobs for manufacturing parts and fuel, as well as ancillary services such as gas stations. It has also helped shape public policy and culture in many ways, from road-building to the growth of suburbia.
An automobile is a complex technical system with subsystems that perform specific design functions. The modern automobile combines hundreds of component parts with advanced technology from other fields, such as electronic computers and high-strength plastics. It is also constantly evolving to meet customer demands and address environmental concerns. New technical developments are continually being made, ranging from computer-aided engineering and engine control systems to touchscreen controls for in-car navigation and entertainment.
The automobile was first invented and perfected in Germany and France toward the end of the 1800s, but Americans came to dominate car production by the 1920s. Henry Ford revolutionized the industry with his invention of the mass-production assembly line, which allowed workers to stay in one place and work on only one part of the car at a time. The resulting speed of production allowed Ford, General Motors and Chrysler to emerge as the Big Three auto makers.
As the industry grew, it became more affordable for more people to own cars. This allowed people to get to work, school and other places without having to depend on others or waiting for the next bus or train to arrive. It also gave them more freedom to travel and explore.
While automobiles allow for great flexibility in travel, they can be expensive to own and maintain. In addition, they produce air pollution and can be a drain on dwindling oil supplies. When too many automobiles try to go the same way, they can cause traffic congestion that slows them all down. In cities and other areas where many people live together, public transportation such as buses (steam-powered, diesel-powered or electric), trams or subways can move more people more quickly than automobiles can.
Despite these drawbacks, the automobile remains a key part of the modern world and is an essential element of the global economy. Many different types of automobiles are produced in the world today, ranging from small and efficient electric models to large, luxurious sports cars. The future of the automobile may be shaped by the development of autonomous and hybrid vehicles, as well as by stricter regulations regarding safety, noise, emissions and pollution.