Automobiles (also known as cars) are vehicles used for transportation on land, typically with four wheels and powered by an internal combustion engine fueled most often by gasoline, a liquid petroleum product. It is one of the most common and widely used of modern technologies, with an estimated 1.4 billion automobiles in operation worldwide. It has become one of the primary modes of personal transportation, and a symbol of modern society and culture. The first automobiles were developed in the late 1800s, and their popularity grew rapidly with the development of roads suitable for travel and the invention of gasoline as a fuel. By the 1920s, automobiles ranked as one of America’s largest industrial products and provided one of its most significant employment sectors. They were also the lifeblood of oil and steel industries, and a catalyst for many other ancillary businesses such as gas stations, auto parts stores, and hotels for travelers.
The term “automobile” is derived from the Greek prefix “auto” (self) and Latin word “mobilis” (moving). While there have been many attempts at creating self-propelled vehicles over the centuries, the modern automobile came into its own with the invention of the internal combustion engine by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens in the late 1600s. Various types of engines powered automobiles until the early 19th century when gasoline became available as a fuel. Gasoline-powered automobiles were more economical to operate than steam and electric vehicles, which required human power to crank them. Moreover, the ability to fill gasoline tanks in a few minutes and the relative ease of maintenance made gas-powered automobiles attractive to consumers.
Henry Ford revolutionized automobile production with the introduction of the assembly line. This allowed mass-production and reduced the price of a gas-powered automobile to the point that middle class families could afford them. Other important innovations were the introduction of a better battery and the development of the electric starter, which eliminated the need to hand-crank a car. After World War II automobiles grew in size and incorporated many features that had been unavailable or expensive before the war, such as air conditioning and power steering.
Automobiles have continued to evolve and develop in response to consumer demand. The automobile has become a fixture in our daily lives and it is hard to imagine a world without them. They allow people to travel long distances for work or pleasure, and they have stimulated recreational activities such as camping and outdoor sports. Automobiles are also a major contributor to the environment, consuming large quantities of energy and producing pollution. As the automobile industry continues to expand, its environmental impact will continue to grow, as will the need to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. These trends have been accelerated by regulations such as government safety standards, emissions limits and fuel efficiency requirements. As a result, many people are shifting from the traditional automobile to more environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles. Other newer technologies are also emerging, such as alternative fuels and electric and hydrogen powered automobiles.