Among the most important inventions of modern times, the automobile is now an integral part of the way people live, work and play. An estimated 1.4 billion of them are now in operation around the world, covering more than three trillion miles (five trillion kilometres) each year. In the United States alone, 87 percent of households own at least one car.
The scientific and technical building blocks of the automobile go back several hundred years, but it was not until the late 1800s that engineers began to perfect this mode of transport for a wide audience. Karl Benz is generally credited with inventing the first true automobile in 1885, which ran on an internal combustion engine.
Henry Ford’s assembly line and Model T brought this new technology within the reach of middle-class Americans. Engineers and designers now work on the design, development and production of automobiles that range from small commuter models to luxury sport-utility vehicles. They must consider factors such as fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, safety and cargo capacity. They also design systems to meet specific operating requirements such as off-road handling, high-speed road performance and vehicle stability.
Automakers compete to offer consumers the widest choice of cars. They seek to balance the need for technological innovation with the requirement to produce affordable models. They must also meet consumer demand for more powerful, sleekly-styled cars that are safer and more fuel efficient than those of the past. They must continually research and develop new technologies, which will lead to changes in the body, chassis, engine, transmission and power train.
As a result of these efforts, automobiles have become an essential component of the economy and society. They are the main form of transportation for millions of people, providing them with a level of independence not possible with public transportation or bicycles. Having your own automobile opens up the opportunity to travel long distances and visit friends, relatives and places that you may not be able to access on foot or by other means of transport.
Owning an automobile can help to improve your employment prospects by allowing you to move more easily between jobs, and can also boost your credit rating as you make regular payments on it. This can allow you to make larger purchases and potentially purchase a home or other property.
It can also save you time on everyday journeys such as going to work or shopping. It can also open up the possibility of living in areas that would otherwise be unavailable to you. It can even mean you can visit people in different parts of the country or globe without relying on others to get you there. All of this enables you to expand your social circle and to explore other possibilities for your career.