Automobiles are a means of transportation that uses an internal-combustion engine to drive wheels. The engines power cars and are often fueled by gasoline (or other fuels). Cars can be modified to meet specific needs, such as off-road driving or speed. Most automobiles have a transmission system that allows them to change gears as they go faster or slower. The first modern cars were powered by steam, but gas and electric motors have become more common. Today, most automobiles are manufactured in countries that belong to the World Trade Organization.
The main goal of car design is to produce a vehicle that is safe, comfortable, and affordable for most people. This is achieved by focusing on the design and engineering of the car body, chassis, engine, drivetrain, safety systems, controls, and other components.
Most automobiles are made of steel, although some are made of other materials such as plastic or fiberglass. The outer shell is called the body and it protects passengers from the elements. The body of a car can be any shape; it could be a coupe (two-door), sedan, hatchback, station wagon, minivan or passenger van. The body of a car also has doors that open and close, a trunk that holds luggage, and fenders which cover the wheels.
Having a car is a convenience for most people and saves time. Before the advent of the automobile, traveling even a short distance required hours in a horse-drawn buggy. The development of suburban areas wouldn’t have been possible without the invention of the car. Cars also have the potential to save money, but that depends on how and where you use it.
Cars have become the primary mode of transportation in most countries. Most families own one and some companies provide employees with company cars. In cities, public transport is widely available, but in rural areas, it may be limited or nonexistent.
Before the 1950s, Japanese car production was limited and mostly consisted of three-wheeled vehicles for commercial purposes or copies of European models. Kiichiro Toyoda changed that by adapting the Toyoda Loom Works into automobile manufacturing in 1951. Since then Toyota has been the largest car manufacturer in the world.
After the end of the two world wars, car makers began adding features to make them easier and more comfortable to operate. The first turn signals were added in 1939, and seatbelts followed soon after. Air conditioning was introduced in the 1950s and power steering came along later. In the 1970s oil prices rose, so car makers focused on making smaller cars that used less fuel. They also worked on fuel-saving technologies such as cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing. These changes have helped to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.