Motor vehicles, or automobiles, are the most common form of transportation in society. They are also the lifeline of modern society. Their development is largely the result of breakthroughs in existing technology, but the industry is also shaped by safety legislation and regulation. The definition of an automobile is not precise, but it usually refers to a four-wheeled vehicle that is designed for passenger transportation.
In 1886, the first commercial production of motor vehicles began in Germany. By the early 1900s, France, England, and Germany had perfected the art of car-making. However, the American automobile industry dominated the industry for much of the twentieth century.
The automobile is a highly technical system involving thousands of parts. Each of these components varies depending on the size, design, and intended use of the vehicle.
During the 19th century, road vehicles were powered by steam. Early cars in the United States tended to be steam-driven. But the internal combustion engine was invented in 1885. It took several years for the engine to spread throughout the United States.
After World War II, the automobile industry soared in both Europe and Japan. The industry in the United States was fueled by the rise in per capita income.
The automotive industry in the United States became the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society. Automobiles played a key role in the nation’s war effort. Auto manufacturers produced 75 essential military items.
A major contribution to the automobile industry was the development of mass personal “automobility”. Gas-powered vehicles were relatively fast and easy to maintain. Nonetheless, they faced stiff competition from steam-driven cars.