Automobiles are a vital part of the American lifestyle, with most families owning one. They are also a major force for change in twentieth century America, providing the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society. By the 1920s they ranked as the most important industry in America and provided one of every six jobs. They are the lifeblood of petroleum, the chief customers for steel and other industrial products, and the biggest consumers of energy, primarily gasoline. In recent years, however, the automobile has lost its privileged place as a force for progress and is being eclipsed by new forces.
An automobile is a motor vehicle designed to travel on the ground under its own power and intended to carry a driver and a small number of passengers. Its name is derived from the Latin word “auto” meaning “of itself,” and it is a reference to the fact that it is capable of moving by itself, without being pushed or pulled. Its modern form is derived from the 19th century, when Karl Benz built his first gas-powered car. The development of the automobile has been largely driven by technological innovations, particularly in the engine, the chassis, and the electric system. The auto industry has spawned numerous inventions and is a major contributor to the economy. The automobile has created countless jobs and has revolutionized the way people live and work.
As the automotive industry evolved, production methods became more efficient and standardization increased. Henry Ford innovated mass-production techniques, allowing manufacturers to produce cars at a much lower cost than was previously possible. He developed the assembly line where workers did one task at a time while parts passed through on conveyer belts. By the 1930s, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler were the major American car companies.
After the World Wars, automobiles became more streamlined and functional, with features such as power steering, air conditioning and automatic transmission being introduced. At the same time, the demand for fuel efficiency increased as Americans began to use their cars more for long distance travel.
Today’s automobiles are complex machines with many systems working together to make them run. Several thousand different parts are needed to keep the engines, transmissions, brakes and other parts of a car in good working order. In addition, they need to be aesthetically pleasing and provide a comfortable ride for the driver and passengers. The design of a vehicle should be cost-efficient to keep the production costs down. It should have clear visibility and attractive shapes to appeal to the consumer. Lastly, it should be easy to repair and maintain. In the future, cars are likely to become more and more automated, allowing them to drive themselves. This will save both drivers and technicians valuable time and money. However, there are still concerns that automobiles will cause too many problems such as traffic jams and pollution. These concerns have led to government regulations limiting greenhouse emissions from vehicles and requiring them to be inspected regularly.
