Automobiles are vehicles that run primarily on roads and carry passengers, as opposed to cargo. They are powered by an internal combustion engine, usually gasoline but sometimes diesel or another fuel, and they require air, water, electricity and oil to function. The branches of engineering that deal with the design, manufacture and technology of automobiles are known as automotive engineering.
Pros: The automobile has changed the way people live. It allows people to commute to work and school, go shopping and take family vacations without having to rely on public transportation. It also provides jobs and contributes to the economy of nations. Cons: Automobiles use a lot of energy and produce emissions that are harmful to the environment. It is important to limit greenhouse gas emissions by using a fuel-efficient car and keeping it well-maintained.
It is a good thing that there are many different types of cars on the market. This makes it easy for everybody to find a vehicle that suits their needs and budget. New technological systems are being developed to make automobiles safer, such as blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking.
Karl Benz is credited with inventing the automobile in 1885, but the industry did not begin to boom until Henry Ford introduced modern manufacturing techniques. With a large population, widespread geographic distribution and a tradition of manufacturing, the United States was a natural market for automobiles. The country’s abundant supply of cheap raw materials and the absence of tariff barriers encouraged manufacturers to make automobiles at a lower cost than in Europe.