Automobiles (also known as motor cars) are wheeled passenger vehicles that carry their own internal combustion engine. There are around one billion automobiles in use worldwide. Most definitions specify that automobiles run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels and mainly transport passengers rather than goods.
The first automobiles were developed in Germany and France toward the end of the nineteenth century by such men as Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz and Nicolaus Otto. In 1901, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes, generally regarded as the first modern motorcar in all its essentials. With its thirty-five-horsepower, five-ton chassis weighing only fourteen pounds per horsepower, it exhibited an unprecedented combination of advanced design with moderate price and operating expenses.
These factors made it possible for the automobile to have its greatest social impact in the United States, where the absence of tariff barriers encouraged sales over a large geographic area. The American manufacturing tradition also meant that the production of automobiles could be accelerated. Cheap raw materials and a chronic shortage of skilled labor early encouraged the mechanization of industrial processes.
In the United States, the development of the automobile was greatly accelerated by the invention of the assembly line and the Model T by Henry Ford. The assembly line enabled the mass production of automobiles, lowering their cost and making them available to most Americans. It also eliminated the free-wheeling competition among many small manufacturers and allowed major companies to concentrate on developing new designs, which improved vehicle quality.
While the automobile revolutionized personal transportation and created many new industries, it has had a negative effect on the environment. It is estimated that automobiles contribute to global warming by releasing more than a million tons of carbon dioxide each year and generating other greenhouse gases. The automotive industry must work to find ways to reduce its environmental impact while still delivering the performance and comfort that consumers demand.
There are many different types of automobiles on the market, from compact cars to sport utility vehicles. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a small car can be easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces, but it might not have enough space for passengers and cargo. Sport utility vehicles are a good alternative to sedans for those who need more room for luggage and gear.
There are also specialized automobiles, such as those used by firefighters and ambulance services. They are designed to save lives and reduce the impact of disasters on the public. For this reason, they must be durable and reliable. In addition, they must be able to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Finally, they must be economical and easy to maintain.