Automobiles are vehicles used for transportation. They are mainly powered by an internal combustion engine. They usually have four wheels and can seat one to eight people. They are fueled by gasoline or diesel, a liquid product. The invention of automobiles was a significant milestone in the history of human transportation. Automobiles have become one of the most common forms of mass transport, and are now used worldwide.
The first automobiles were powered by steam. They were heavy and could move only slowly. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built the first steam car in France in 1769. Later, manufacturers used electric motors to power cars. These were lighter and moved faster than steam cars, but had limited range. They were also expensive to operate.
In the early 20th century, Henry Ford revolutionized the automobile industry by developing modern mass production techniques. His Model T runabout cost less than the average annual income, and it brought mass personal automobile ownership to the United States.
Other companies copied Ford’s ideas and began to manufacture automobiles. This created competition and lowered prices. Eventually, the number of manufacturers declined as bigger producers gained market share. By 1929, only a few companies produced most of the world’s automobiles.
Today, there are many types of automobiles, such as hatchbacks, sedans, coupes, vans and station wagons. SUVs are also popular. Some are designed for off-road use, while others are made for city driving. Specialized automobiles include fire engines, ambulances and patrol cars.