Automobiles (also known as cars) are motor vehicles that are designed for use on public roads. They have four wheels and are powered by an internal combustion engine fueled mostly by gasoline (but also by diesel fuel, kerosene, or any other liquid petroleum product). Automobiles come equipped with a variety of systems to help them function and are one of the most widely used of all modern technologies.
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Karl Benz, a German engineer, is often credited with inventing the first automobile, which was powered by an internal combustion engine. He was followed by many inventors and engineers who developed their own designs. By the late 19th century, a number of companies were producing automobiles for use on the road.
The automobile revolutionized both the world of industry and everyday life. It allowed people to travel and see more places, making leisure activities possible for the first time in history. Industries were established to meet the demand for automobile parts and fuel, and new jobs opened up as well.
At the same time, the automobile introduced changes in social attitudes and behavior. For example, it made family life easier by allowing parents to transport their children to school and activities. It also meant that horse breeders and drivers lost business as more people switched to the new mode of transportation.
In the United States, automobile production grew rapidly due to large domestic markets and the availability of cheap raw materials. The lack of tariff barriers between states encouraged sales over a wide geographic area, and the absence of labor unions made it possible to hire workers at low wages. This led to the formation of a number of auto manufacturers, including General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler Corporation. Others included Nash-Kelvinator, American Motors Corporation, Franklin Automobile Company, Packard Motor Car Company, and Studebaker Corporation.
While some automotive manufacturers faded away, the Big Three and other major automakers survived to dominate today’s global market. The industry has evolved to produce an enormous variety of models with a range of features and prices. Automobiles are available in SUVs, sedans, trucks and vans to suit a variety of needs and budgets. There are even a wide variety of cool vehicle accessories that allow drivers to customize their cars and make them uniquely their own.
Although some of the changes that have taken place in society have been less than positive, owning an automobile continues to be beneficial for most families. For many, it is simply not feasible or affordable to live without a vehicle. And even though many Millennials are getting out from behind the wheel and opting to walk, take public transit when available or carpool with friends, most still find that having a vehicle makes it much easier to get around. The convenience of being able to take a quick trip to the store, visit with family members who live far away or go on a weekend getaway is well worth the investment in a vehicle.