Automobiles are the means of transportation used by millions of people around the world. A modern automobile is a complex technical system with subsystems designed for specific functions. These include the Powertrain, comprising the engine and transmission systems; the Control System, encompassing the steering and braking systems; and the Support System, housing the suspension and tires. An average automobile contains over 30,000 parts. These parts are assembled and constructed using a variety of methods, including the use of metals and plastics. The first modern automobiles were powered by internal combustion engines, and later by electric motors. An automobile has become the dominant mode of personal transportation, with 1.4 billion cars in operation worldwide.
Throughout history, automobiles have played an important role in the development of society and culture. From the Model T Fords that sped across the U.S. in the early 1900s to the artful mid-century modern designs that dominated American highways in the 1950s, America’s growth into a world industrial powerhouse revolved around the car.
Automobile technology was largely perfected in Germany and France during the last decade of the nineteenth century by such men as Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz, and Nicolaus Otto. But it was Wilhelm Maybach who in 1901 created the first truly modern motorcar, combining the advanced design of the 1901 Mercedes with a price that placed it within the reach of middle-class Americans, allowing mass personal “automobility.”
Once the car became affordable for most Americans, it stimulated participation in outdoor recreation, and led to the development of tourism and related industries such as gas stations and roadside restaurants. It ended rural isolation and brought urban amenities-including schools, hospitals, and better farm machinery-to the countryside. It also helped create the nation’s highway system, one of the largest public works projects in history.
Today, there are many different types of automobiles, ranging from luxury models to utilitarian vehicles. Special automobiles are manufactured for various purposes, including fire engines and ambulances. Others are used for construction, such as crane vehicles and road rollers. Then there are those that are used at the port and warehouses, such as fork-lift vehicles. There are even automobiles that are designed to provide security, such as patrol cars and emergency vehicles.
Time and again, we’ve seen the value of having your own vehicle. Not having to rely on someone else for transportation can save you precious seconds when it’s most needed. In addition, having access to your own car can make a significant financial difference, especially in rural areas where public transportation options are sparse or nonexistent. Whether you’re a student, an active parent, or simply in need of reliable transportation, an automobile is worth the investment.