Automobiles – A Brief History
Automobiles are a major force in our world. They provide access to jobs and services. They have changed lifestyles, created new industries and brought changes to every facet of everyday life. They have also caused harm to the environment. They have polluted the air, taken up valuable land, and caused the need for many safety features.
In general, an automobile is a wheeled vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine and intended primarily for the transport of passengers rather than goods. Automobiles typically have four wheels and seating for one to seven passengers. They are designed to run primarily on roads and have a relatively high center of gravity for better handling on road systems with limited-access surfaces. Vehicle design depends on the intended use, with off-road vehicles requiring durable, simple systems that are resistant to severe overloads and extreme operating conditions. Automobiles for road use must be able to handle higher speeds and have more passenger comfort options, improved vehicle stability at speed, optimized high-speed handling and fuel economy.
The automobile was first perfected by Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz and Nicolaus Otto in Germany and France at the end of the 19th century. By 1910, Henry Ford had adapted mass production to the automobile with his Highland Park factory in Michigan. His Model T ranabout was cheap enough to allow most Americans to afford it. It was also light, reliable and stripped down enough to sustain a industry of third-party add-ons.
With the development of the automobile, a new type of society developed in America. This was a consumer-goods oriented society, with a large and growing population that demanded many products and services. Cars became the backbone of this new society, providing jobs for thousands of workers and generating enormous income for many companies in ancillary industries, such as petroleum and gasoline, steel, rubber and plastics. Many service industries also arose, including gas stations and convenience stores.
Owning a car gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility in your daily schedule. You can avoid the hassle of crowded public transportation and you can travel on your own time schedule. Cars are also very useful for carrying groceries, luggage or equipment that may be difficult or inconvenient to carry on public transportation. Plus, having your own vehicle allows you to customize the temperature, music and other amenities to make traveling more comfortable.
In addition, cars are a great way to get out and see the country, or go on shopping trips. There are even some people who live in rural areas who use their cars as their primary mode of transportation. This is because they can travel much farther and faster than they would on foot or by bike. Some people even have businesses that they run from their cars. The automobile has become a very important part of our lives, and it will continue to change how we live in the future.