Automobiles are the most common form of human transportation on modern civilization’s streets and highways. The automobile is a self-propelled motor vehicle for passenger transportation on land, usually having four wheels and an internal combustion engine fueled most often by gasoline, a liquid petroleum product. More than 73 million new automobiles were produced worldwide in 2017. The automobile has revolutionized many aspects of industry and technology, everyday life, and world history.
The scientific and technological building blocks for the automobile are rooted in the 1860s, when French and German manufacturers introduced steam-powered road vehicles. By the end of the century, gasoline-powered cars had won out. During this time, manufacturers developed methods of mass production, which greatly reduced prices and made them affordable for middle-class families. Industries sprang up to supply the demand for parts, fuel, and services. Industries like vulcanized rubber and oil refineries were created. Services like gas stations and convenience stores began to grow in number.
Whether it’s driving to work or taking your kids to school, an automobile allows you the freedom to go anywhere you want in comfort and safety. Cars allow us to spend quality time with our loved ones, whether it’s a ride to the park or late-night ice cream run. Owning a car is a source of pride, and it can help you build relationships with your neighbors, family, and community. The automobile is a symbol of success, and it can give you the motivation to achieve more in life.
It is not possible to imagine life in the United States today without an automobile, which has become one of the most recognizable symbols of modern civilization. There were more than 1.4 billion cars in operation around the world as of 2016, and they cover an average of three trillion miles each year.
In the early 1900s, women were not allowed to drive in most of the country, and they had to travel by train or bus if they wanted to get to a city or town for work or school. The automobile opened up the possibility for women to travel to cities, and two pioneering American women, Alice Burke and Nell Richardson, drove across the country in 1916 in order to promote the women’s right to vote. They decorated their car with “votes for women” banners and spoke to crowds from the front seat of their automobile.
Today, there are a multitude of different automobiles in the market to suit every taste and budget. Cars have become an essential part of daily life for most people, and there is a lot to learn about this type of technology. The following articles include information about the history of automobiles, how they have evolved over the years, and what future developments are being planned. Some of these articles also include links to external websites where you can find more information.