Automobiles
Automobiles are vehicles that run on four wheels and have an internal combustion engine fueled mostly by gasoline (petrol) or diesel fuel. They have many systems that work together to power the vehicle, control and steer it, and make it comfortable for passengers to travel in. These systems include the engine, transmission, axles, and braking system. Many automobiles are also designed to hold cargo and equipment. Special automobiles are used by the military, police, fire departments and rescue services.
The automobile revolutionized American society in many ways. It gave people more freedom to enjoy outdoor recreation, it ended rural isolation by bringing urban amenities to remote areas, and it stimulated tourism-related industries such as service stations and roadside restaurants and motels. At the same time, it brought new problems such as traffic jams and air pollution. But despite these problems, the automobile continues to be one of the most popular and versatile of modern technologies.
In the early days of the automobile, only the wealthiest could afford to own one. Breakdowns were common, fuel was scarce, roads suitable for driving were often undeveloped, and rapid innovation meant that a car that had been purchased a year before was obsolete by the time it came into use.
But when Henry Ford established the Ford Motor Company, his mass production methods made the automobile affordable to middle-class Americans and opened the way for other companies to develop their own versions of the Model T. By the end of World War II, automobiles had become a global industry and were widely available in Europe, Japan and other parts of the world.
Today, there are more than 73 million automobiles on the roads worldwide. Cars have become the primary mode of transportation for most Americans and the vehicle of choice for many people in other countries as well. The automobile is one of the most complex and sophisticated machines produced in modern times. Its design is a result of the efforts of many people and companies, including engineers, designers, and marketing specialists.
Some of the most popular cars are sports cars, minivans, and luxury sedans. These are all manufactured by a variety of automobile manufacturers around the world. Each manufacturer tries to differentiate itself from the competition with different body styles, engines and accessories. The automotive industry is a highly competitive business that is constantly changing and evolving.
Most of the automobiles that are produced in the world are sold in America. The demand for American cars is high because of the perceived safety, comfort and performance advantages that they offer. The American automotive market is dominated by two large competitors, General Motors and Ford, which dominate the lower-priced segments of the market. Other important players include Chrysler, Toyota and Honda. Other countries have their own domestic automotive markets with smaller and fewer major players. Each of these markets has its own unique requirements that influence the design and features of automobiles sold there.