An automobile (also motor car, auto, or automobile), or simply a car, is a four-wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation. Most automobiles are powered by internal combustion engines, fueled most often by gasoline, a liquid petroleum product. An automobile’s proponents claim it offers freedom and mobility not available with public transportation or even bicycles, allowing people to travel to work, go shopping, visit friends, and pursue leisure activities. Cars are one of the most universal modern technologies, and they have helped shape society in countless ways.
The automobile was developed in Germany and France toward the end of the nineteenth century by such inventors as Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz, and Nicolaus Otto. By 1900, automobiles had achieved a high level of performance and sophistication. However, they still were too expensive for widespread use.
American manufacturers aimed to reduce the cost of automobiles and increase their market share in the United States. They had an advantage over European producers because of the large size of the American market and a more equitable distribution of income. Cheap raw materials and a long tradition of mechanized manufacturing also encouraged U.S. automakers to develop the best technology possible.
Henry Ford revolutionized automotive production by creating the Model T, a simple runabout that could be sold for less than half the average annual wage of the time. His mass-production techniques, which he pioneered in 1908 at his Highland Park, Michigan, plant, enabled Ford to lower the price of the Model T until it was affordable to most middle-class Americans.
As the automobile became more affordable, its market penetration increased rapidly. People who previously had limited transportation options could now escape the urban environment and enjoy the countryside. This led to an explosion of recreational activities, which stimulated businesses such as service stations and roadside restaurants. The growth of the automobile also spawned public works projects such as the construction of streets and highways.
The automobile has also brought the city closer to rural America, facilitating commerce between urban and rural areas. It has also facilitated social change, such as the development of women’s organizations and civil rights groups. Two women, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, drove around the country in 1916 to advocate for women’s right to vote, displaying their message on banners attached to their automobiles.
Automobiles have their drawbacks, including the emission of greenhouse gases and air pollution, as well as the need for regular maintenance. The automobile’s proponents contend, however, that improved fuel efficiency and the availability of alternative fuels, such as electricity and natural gas, will help to limit the environmental impact of cars. In addition, many people are beginning to realize that owning a car is not necessary for daily life and are switching to more efficient forms of transportation. This has led to a rise in car-sharing programs, where people can rent cars for short periods of time when they need them. This has become especially popular in the United States, where people drive about three trillion miles per year.
