Typically, automobiles are four-wheeled vehicles that are used for passenger transportation and for commerce. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as motorcycles. A motorcycle is considered to be an automobile if it is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with a drive shaft and a chain.
There are thousands of component parts in a modern automobile. The power is normally transmitted by a chain, but it can also be transmitted through belts or shafts. The design of the automobile depends on the intended use. Those that are designed for off-road use must be sturdy and durable, and must be able to resist overloads.
Automobiles are one of the most common forms of transport in the United States and worldwide. Over three trillion miles are traveled by Americans each year. These cars are a major cause of air pollution. In addition, they are one of the leading targets of thieves. As a result, they are heavily taxed.
The automotive industry grew quickly in the first half of the twentieth century. During this time, manufacturers developed new technologies and began making cars more efficiently. They also developed stricter standards to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly motor vehicles. These standards regulated the brakes, lights, windshields, tires, safety belts, head restraints, and other components. The auto industry also developed research and development engineers, which helped them develop new technologies.
After World War II, the car industry grew rapidly in Europe, and in Japan. During the 1970s, the U.S. auto industry started losing ground to Japanese automakers. This was exacerbated by oil shortages in the 1970s, which increased the price of gasoline. As a result, American citizens relied more on imported cars. In the 1990s, automakers in the United States regained much of the ground lost to foreign companies.
The automobile industry also benefited from the manufacturing tradition of the United States. This made automobiles more affordable for middle-class families. As a result, there was a strong demand for automobiles in the United States. The automobiles were also produced in mass production, which made the automobiles more competitive. This led to the establishment of the “Big Three” automakers. These were Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. By 1939, these three companies had about 90 percent of the U.S. market.
Auto safety experts say that the best way to reduce auto injuries is to require manufacturers to produce more safety-conscious cars. However, they also acknowledge that regulations on the manufacturing process only go so far. If drivers continue to drive dangerously, they will put themselves and passengers at risk.
Although auto safety regulations do help lower the number of accidents, they cannot eliminate all auto-related injuries. In fact, 13 percent of auto-related accidents occur due to mechanical failure.
In the 1960s, consumer safety advocates started to pressure the government to set safety standards for automobiles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was established to enforce these safety requirements. The NHTSA also gave manufacturers the authority to recall defective vehicles. By the late 1960s, more than 50 safety standards had been imposed on vehicle manufacturers.
