Automobiles, sometimes called cars, are four-wheeled motor vehicles primarily designed for passenger transportation and powered by internal combustion engines fuelled mostly by gasoline (a liquid petroleum gas). They are one of the most universal of modern technology’s inventions and form the basis for one of the world’s largest industries. Automobiles are built to meet many different needs and requirements, which are often determined by the vehicle’s intended use. Some of these include speed, safety, comfort and appearance.

Throughout the history of automobiles, many innovations have been made. Some of these have been technical, while others have been socially or economically driven. Some of the most important advances have been in the field of engines and automotive mechanics, including improved engine efficiency, increased power, reduced noise and pollution, and the development of a range of materials and parts that are lightweight, durable and safe.

In addition to affecting the lives of individual consumers, the automobile has helped shape American culture, from the stolid Model T of the early 20th century to the artful mid-century modern designs that cruised U.S. highways and byways in the 1950s. In fact, the nation’s very growth as an industrial giant has been closely tied to the automobile.

The first practical, marketable automobiles were introduced in the late 19th century, and quickly became the dominant mode of personal transportation in Europe and the United States. American automobile manufacturer Henry Ford pioneered the modern methods of mass production that revolutionized industrial manufacturing, enabling him to sell his Model T at a price affordable to most middle-class families.

Cars are now a crucial part of everyday life in nearly every country of the developed world, and a key component of a growing global economy. The United States exports more cars and auto-related products than any other nation, and its manufacturers are competing in a global marketplace.

Without access to a car, the daily lives of most people in most parts of the world would be severely restricted. Whether your life is dominated by a hectic schedule that demands frequent trips or you live in an area with few public transportation options, having a reliable automobile can be invaluable. This is particularly true in areas where the population is not dense enough to support a robust and effective public transportation system. Owning a car can make the difference between arriving at work on time and being late. It can also make the difference between getting to a doctor’s appointment or missing it altogether. In fact, a recent study published in the journal Nature Sustainability finds that the value of owning a car is inversely proportional to the density of the surrounding population.