A modern automobile is a complex technical system with numerous subsystems designed to perform specific functions. These include the body, chassis, engine, powertrain, control systems, and safety systems. New technological developments are constantly being incorporated into car design.
Automobiles have become an essential part of the American way of life. They are used for recreation, to get around town, and to work. They have opened up many opportunities for the economy by creating industries and jobs. There are also some negative effects such as pollution and the destruction of undeveloped land.
The first automobiles were powered by steam and later by internal combustion engines fueled with gasoline. Siegfried Marcus developed the world’s first gasoline-powered automobile in 1870. It had no seats or steering and was essentially a motorized handcart. Gottlieb Daimler improved upon Benz’s invention, putting his own four-stroke engine in a carriage. It had seats and brakes, but it was not put into production until 1888 or 1889.
Automobile production in the United States exploded during the early twentieth century. Ford’s Model T was a breakthrough, bringing cars within the range of middle-class Americans. It was also inexpensive and had excellent fuel efficiency.
Because of its vast geographical area, the United States had a greater need for automotive transportation than Europe did. Cheap raw materials and a lack of tariff barriers encouraged large-scale manufacturing in the country. Marketing plans heavily influenced automotive design, and companies often produced different models to appeal to consumers of various income levels.