Automobiles are motorized vehicles used to transport passengers and cargo. The automobile has been one of the most significant inventions in modern history and its development was instrumental in the growth of industrialized societies. The first modern cars were developed in Europe in the late 1800s, but by 1920 the American Ford Motor Company had dominated automotive production with mass-production methods. During the 1930s market saturation and technological stagnation occurred, which was followed by rapid expansion in Europe and Japan. By 1980 with intensive marketing strategies, the auto industry had become a global enterprise.
The automobile is a complex and versatile engineering achievement that can be built in many different configurations. Its overall design depends on the vehicle’s intended use. For example, off-road vehicles must have rugged and simple systems that are highly resistant to severe overloads and extreme operating conditions. On the other hand, high-speed road-going vehicles must have passenger comfort options and optimized engine performance for driving at high speeds.
In order to maintain competitiveness, automobile manufacturers are continuously investing in research and development programs to develop new technologies. These innovations include the integration of computerized controls and electronic devices, the application of lightweight materials to reduce vehicle weight, improved body and chassis designs, and emissions control and safety systems. The automobile industry has a long tradition of collaboration with the academic community to develop technical skills and training opportunities for young engineers.
Originally, automobiles were powered by steam, electric power, or gasoline engines. The internal combustion engine patented by Carl Benz in 1886 became the most commercially successful of these technologies. Its practicality made the automobile a vital part of the growth of industrialized societies and its infrastructure, allowing people to travel long distances for work and leisure.
The social effects of the automobile were equally revolutionary. Women gained the freedom to drive and could go places they couldn’t before. Families could take vacations to previously inaccessible locations. Teenagers embraced the car’s power and speed, while older drivers learned to navigate roads and traffic that were new to them. The automobile enabled families to rediscover pristine natural landscapes, and it allowed urban dwellers to shop in rural towns. Moreover, dating couples discovered the automobile provided a portable place for private romantic encounters.
While the benefits of the automobile are many, its drawbacks were also great. As the use of the automobile increased, so did traffic jams and crashes. This prompted the need for licensing and safety regulations to be enforced by state governments. In addition, the environmental impact of the automobile was becoming a major concern with the draining of world oil reserves and rising air pollution levels. The automobile slowed its pace of innovation in the 1960s and 1970s as concerns over functional styling, quality of safety, and fuel efficiency were raised by the public. This led to the decline of the traditional American road cruiser as manufacturers shifted their focus to more fuel-efficient and well-designed smaller cars.