Automobiles are wheeled motor vehicles designed to carry passengers and operate on roads. They are one of the most universal of modern technologies and one of the world’s largest industries. Most are powered by internal combustion engines fueled most commonly by gasoline, a liquid petroleum product.
The automobile revolutionized twentieth-century America by linking suburban communities to the urban center, fostering new consumer habits and enabling a highly competitive market for low-priced cars. In the process it spawned ancillary businesses, such as service stations, roadside restaurants and motels, as well as public works projects such as streets and highways. In addition, American manufacturers pioneered methods of industrial manufacturing, such as the assembly line, which greatly increased car production and reduced prices.
Pros: The automobile offers a high degree of mobility, making it possible to travel from place to place without relying on fixed routes or the schedules of bus and rail services. Cars can also be driven faster than other types of land vehicles, such as airplanes or fixed-wing aircraft.
Cons: The use of automobiles can cause environmental problems. They produce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, and they are a major source of air pollution, especially in densely populated areas. In addition, they require a lot of maintenance.
The word “automobile” derives from the French words for auto (self) and mobilis (moving). The first practical, marketable automobile was invented in 1886 by German inventor Karl Benz with his Benz Patent-Motorwagen.