Automobiles are vehicles that use an engine and transmission to drive wheels. They can carry a driver and passengers and a limited amount of cargo. Most automobiles are powered by internal combustion engines that convert chemical energy from gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene into mechanical energy. Various methods are used to send this energy to the wheels, including a carburetor, electric motor or internal combustion engine. An automobile also has a chassis, control system, electrical equipment and service devices.

The automobile revolutionized the economy and social life of twentieth-century America. It was the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society, one of the main customers for the petroleum industry, and its demand stimulated other industries such as steel, rubber and plastics. It also brought more jobs in the building of roads and highways, as well as services such as gas stations and motels. It ended rural isolation and accelerated urban growth, making city living more affordable. It promoted outdoor recreation and boosted tourism.

In the beginning, many people could not afford to own an automobile. But the invention of the assembly line by Henry Ford and his Model T made it possible to produce many cars quickly. This allowed the price of the automobile to drop and allowed more people to own them.

After World War II, the automobile became increasingly advanced. It was easier to operate and was more comfortable. Steel bodies were now standard and heaters and power steering were available. The engines were smaller and more efficient and the transmissions were designed to make them run smoother.

Today there are about 1.4 billion cars operating worldwide. The most common type of car is a passenger vehicle that can seat up to five people. A vehicle that carries a larger number of people is called a bus, van or truck. The majority of automobiles are built in Japan, the United States, Germany and South Korea.

One of the most important benefits of automobiles is that they give people independence and freedom to travel when they want to. They are not dependent on trains, buses or planes and they can get to their destination more quickly than if they were using public transportation. This is especially helpful when there is bad weather or road conditions that would delay these other types of vehicles.

There are some negative aspects to the automobile, such as traffic congestion that occurs when too many cars try to travel in the same direction at the same time, pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels (gasoline or diesel) and the fact that the world’s oil supply is being depleted. Some communities are developing alternative transportation systems such as buses, trains (steam-powered or diesel), monorail and subways to reduce the number of automobiles on the roads.

The name of the automobile is thought to have been invented by a 14th Century Italian painter and engineer named Martini who did not build an actual auto but did draw plans for one. The modern automotive industry was started in the 1890s in the United States and has since become the largest manufacturer of vehicles in the world.