Automobiles, or cars as they are often known, have become a force of change in twentieth century America. They are now one of the largest industries in the country, and provide about one out of six jobs. They have revolutionized ancillary industries such as petroleum, steel and rubber, and are responsible for many changes in society. The automobile has changed the way people live, work and play. It has made cities larger, and created new jobs in building, operating, and repairing them. It has opened up new leisure activities, and it has provided a powerful stimulus for economic development.
Despite this, the automobile has also caused problems. It has polluted the environment, and its use has created traffic congestion. In addition, accidents have been a major cause of death and injury. Many people have become dependent on their cars for transportation, and they cannot imagine living without them. Fortunately, alternative forms of transportation are available, such as buses, passenger trains, trams and subways. These systems can move more people at a time, and are usually less expensive than an individual’s own car.
A car, or automobile, is a wheeled motor vehicle that seats one to eight people and is used mainly for transportation. It is powered by an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline or another liquid and drives the wheels via a transmission system. Most of these vehicles are designed to travel on paved roads, although some can be driven off-road as well. Various definitions have popped up over the years for what constitutes an automobile, but most experts agree that it must be a wheeled motor vehicle that can seat one to eight passengers and be operated on a road or other surface.
In the late 1800s, Karl Benz developed the first modern automobile by using an internal combustion engine in his Benz Patent-Motorwagen. By the 1920s, he and other manufacturers had perfected the process, and Ford, General Motors and Chrysler dominated the industry. During World War II, manufacturers funneled most of their resources into military production. After the war, demand for automobiles rose rapidly worldwide.
The auto industry has spawned other related industries, including oil refining, steel making and automotive component manufacturing. It has also brought with it new lifestyles, including the suburban family. Having a car means that you can have more freedom to do the things you enjoy, such as going shopping or visiting friends and family. Having a car also allows you to get to places faster than if you had to walk, or even ride a bicycle. This is important because in a busy city, time can be very valuable. Having an automobile can also help you to save money on gas and other expenses. Lastly, owning an automobile provides you with a sense of pride and status. Other people will admire you for your achievement, and you will have more social opportunities. The benefits of owning an automobile are numerous and varied.
