Automobiles are four-wheeled vehicles that are propelled by an internal combustion engine using a fuel, usually gasoline. They are used for passenger transportation and in some industrial applications, such as metal stamping, pressworking, and packing machines.
They are a complex technical system, consisting of subsystems that perform specific design functions. Depending on their intended use, automobiles vary in the number and complexity of their subsystems.
Safety – Automakers are constantly working to develop more and more advanced safety technologies. They are trying to build vehicles that can handle a wide range of situations without compromising their ability to protect passengers and other drivers from potential accidents.
Comfort – A modern car needs to offer the best possible comfort for its passengers and their belongings. This means the seats should be comfortable and supportive, as well as easy to adjust.
Mobility – A vehicle should be able to move from one location to another easily and rapidly. This is particularly important for people who need to get from point A to point B in a hurry.
Technology – Technological advances in the automotive industry are vital for meeting consumer demands and keeping up with competition. They may include improvements in design, manufacturing, and distribution.
They also often depend on the availability of new materials and manufacturing processes. This is especially true of high-end luxury cars.
Historically, the automobile industry was made up of many small manufacturers competing against each other for attention. Eventually, Henry Ford introduced the modern automobile with mass-production techniques that became standard. His company, along with GM and Chrysler, became the dominant forces in American production.