Automobiles are vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine for transporting people and goods. They are one of a cluster of major technologies that began transforming modern life in the first decades of the twentieth century.
The automobile was the first technology to provide the mass market with an alternative means of transportation, and it served as a catalyst for other changes in society and culture as well. The automobile is now a dominant mode of urban transport, as well as the main form of family transportation in many developed countries.
The modern automotive industry has a long history of innovation. Hundreds of small manufacturers produced cars in the early years, often combining innovative designs with old-fashioned production methods. In some cases, manufacturers merged to increase their market share and economies of scale.
One of the most significant innovations in the automobile was the electric self-starter, patented by Charles Kettering for General Motors in 1910-1911. This allowed cars to start even when the crankshaft or spark plug was not turned. Other important innovations included the four-wheel drive system, independent suspension and four-wheel brakes. Other significant technical improvements came later, such as the speedometer and windshields, seatbelts, power steering and traction control systems.
In the United States, Henry Ford invented mass production techniques that became standard in the automobile industry, and Ford, GM and Chrysler emerged as the largest American car companies by 1929. After World War II, the automobile became a global industry and manufacturers funneled their resources into military production for the war effort. In the 1950s, Japan began making automobiles at an unprecedented rate, with Honda and Toyota starting as textile and bicycle producers before transitioning to car manufacturing.
Today, the automotive industry is dominated by a few large corporations. These firms produce the vast majority of vehicles in the world. The largest three producers by volume are currently General Motors, Toyota and Ford. Other firms that manufacture a substantial number of automobiles include Volkswagen, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz. In addition, the automobile is widely produced by companies in Third World countries. Large free trade areas like the European Union and NAFTA draw manufacturers from around the world to establish plants within them, where they can take advantage of low labor costs.
Besides passenger cars, there are also special automobiles used for specific purposes such as emergency vehicles and work-related vehicles. These special vehicles are usually made of durable material to withstand heavy-duty use. Moreover, they are designed to meet the specific needs of their users. For instance, construction vehicles are used to transport materials and workers while work-related vehicles are driven by professional drivers to carry out specific tasks such as repairing machinery. Moreover, the automobiles must be designed with safety in mind so that they can protect the passengers and the workers from accidents. This is possible with the help of expert engineers. These experts have to apply their knowledge to design safe, reliable and economical automobiles.