Automobiles are motor vehicles, usually designed for passenger transportation and fueled most commonly by gasoline (carburetor internal combustion), but also including diesel, gas turbine or electric power. They consist of chassis, bodywork, control system, electrical equipment and service devices. The automobile is one of the most common and widespread of modern technologies, produced by a global industry that annually produces over 59 million various cars.
Cars enable people to travel quickly and efficiently to work, school, shopping and other places where public transport is not available or unreliable. Depending on local conditions, they can be far faster than walking or riding a bicycle, especially over long distances. They can also carry more luggage and are able to go where other wheeled transport cannot go, such as on dirt roads.
Invented and perfected in Germany and France toward the end of the 1800s by such men as Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, the automobile became one of the most significant inventions of the 20th century. By the 1920s American manufacturers had dominated the world market, and Henry Ford innovated mass production methods that greatly reduced the price of his Model T runabout to a point where it could be afforded by middle-class families.
While automobiles may seem expensive to purchase and maintain, they can provide great convenience in daily life. The ability to leave when and where you want without worrying about whether or not there is a bus at the stop, or waiting in a traffic jam, means that more time can be spent on tasks that require attention and concentration. In addition, automobiles can be used to transport large amounts of goods and equipment, making them useful for business purposes.
The main types of automobiles are sedans, hatchbacks, station wagons, pickup trucks and SUVs. Each has a slightly different design, but most have four doors and a trunk. Some have a roof that opens or can be folded back to allow access to the cargo area. Besides the basic models, many producers make specialty automobiles such as fire trucks, ambulances and infantry fighting vehicles.
There are also hundreds of ways to customize the look and feel of an automobile. The interior can be configured for specific functions and equipped with features such as a navigation system, heated seats, leather upholstery, power steering and more. Several factors contribute to the popularity of a particular type of car: cost-efficiency, safety features, fuel economy and ease of operation. Other important design considerations include the appearance of the exterior, which can range from sporty to elegant, and the amount of passenger and cargo space. A well-balanced combination of these features determines the success of an automobile. The most popular cars in the world today are small to midsize sedans and minivans. They are the most affordable and convenient mode of transportation for most consumers. The future looks even brighter, as new technology makes automobiles ever more efficient and safer. They can also be adapted to carry additional loads, and are expected to become increasingly energy-efficient.
