Automobiles
Automobiles are vehicles that are used to transport people from one place to another. The word “automobile” is derived from the Latin words “auto” (self) and “mobilis” (“moving”). Traditionally, automobiles have been powered by gasoline, but today there are also many other types of cars that run on different fuels.
The modern automobile, sometimes called a car, is a complex technical system with thousands of subsystems that have specific design functions. It has become the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society, and it provides a significant share of the value of steel and petroleum production in the United States. It has also revolutionized the ancillary industries, such as those that produce parts and tires.
In the first decades of the twentieth century, Americans gained new freedom and mobility by owning their own automobiles. They were able to travel farther, visit friends in rural areas, and spend more time at work and home. The car became the primary mode of transportation for most middle-class families. It was the largest single customer of the petroleum industry and a substantial source of employment for many of the steel-and nonferrous metals-based industries. In addition, it was the main source of leisure time for many Americans, allowing them to go shopping, play sports and games, or spend time in the countryside.
The early automotive industry was dominated by European manufacturers such as Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz, and Nicolaus Otto. The 1901 Mercedes, designed by Wilhelm Maybach for the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft, is often cited as the first modern automobile.
During the second half of the nineteenth century, American engineers such as Charles Duryea, J. Frank Duryea, Ransom E. Olds, Henry Ford, and others made advances in the automobile. These improvements were based on the development of internal-combustion engines and four-wheeled chassis.
In North Carolina, the automobile became a major economic force as the automobile manufacturing industry established its first plants in Charlotte. The industry ranked as the nation’s most important in both value and volume of production. By the 1920s, the industry accounted for almost one out of six jobs in the nation and was a substantial consumer of steel and petroleum products. It also provided a significant share of the incomes of many ancillary and industrial sectors.
Owning a vehicle means that you can be independent from public transportation, such as taxis and buses. If you have your own car, you can decide what time to leave to catch the bus that takes you to work or classes. Having your own car also allows you to plan out your day without worrying about missing the bus or being late for your appointment. While there are reckless drivers on the road, having your own car gives you peace of mind and security. Owning an automobile is a big responsibility, but it is well worth the effort. For more information about automobiles, click here. Then you will be able to make the best decision about what type of car to buy.