Automobiles are vehicles that people use to transport themselves, their belongings and goods. Cars are often used for long distance travel, and they also allow individuals to explore new roads that are not accessible by foot or bicycle. Cars are a major convenience and have greatly improved the quality of people’s lives. They can be very useful in emergencies, as they can help people reach their destinations quickly and safely. They are also great for road trips, as they provide a lot of room for travelers.
The modern automobile has its roots in the mechanical and industrial innovations of the late nineteenth century. At that time, Nicolaus Otto, Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz were working on a motorcar using internal combustion to produce energy for propulsion.
Henry Ford was a huge contributor to the evolution of the automobile as well. He invented the assembly line and Model T, which helped to make cars more affordable for middle class Americans.
By the 1920s, automobiles had become the backbone of a consumer-oriented society. They were one of the most important industries and provided jobs for many ancillary manufacturing businesses such as steel, oil, rubber and glass. They also encouraged women to drive, which was a big change to society at that time.
By the 1960s, however, the automobile industry had reached market saturation. Technological advancements were slowing down and there was a lot of debate about the nonfunctional styling of American cars, the questionable safety standards and the high profit margins that Detroit manufacturers earned on ‘gas guzzling’ highway cruisers at the expense of air pollution and the drain of world oil reserves.