An automobile, also called a car or motorcar, is a wheeled vehicle for passenger transportation that is powered by an internal combustion engine usually using a liquid fuel such as gasoline. It is one of the most common and widespread of modern technologies, and it has become a major symbol of national identity and industrial strength. The automotive industry employs millions of people worldwide, and it is one of the world’s largest industries. In the United States, there are more than 1.4 billion cars in operation, and they travel an average of three trillion miles (five trillion kilometers) each year.
Invented by German inventor Carl Benz in 1886, the modern automobile became widely available after 1908. At that time, automobiles were more expensive than horse-drawn carriages, but U.S. inventor Henry Ford pioneered new manufacturing techniques that reduced their cost and brought them within reach of middle-class families.
The automobile has revolutionized many aspects of human life. It has made long distances seem easily accessible to a large segment of the population and has allowed people to live a more leisurely lifestyle than would be possible without access to a car. In addition, the automobile has helped fuel economic growth and increased productivity by providing an alternative to other forms of transportation such as trains and airplanes.
Automobiles come in a variety of styles and sizes to suit different needs. There are sedans, coupes and SUVs, as well as trucks, vans, station wagons and passenger coaches. Automobiles can be powered by an internal-combustion engine or by electricity, and they can use various types of fuel such as gasoline, diesel fuel, propane gas and liquefied petroleum gases. There are also electric and hybrid cars, which use a combination of different sources of power to propel the vehicle.
An automobile is much faster than a bicycle and can carry more passengers than a bus or a train. It can also go places that public transport cannot, such as dirt roads and rough terrain. However, if not maintained properly, an automobile can be a dangerous form of transportation. It is important to understand the benefits of owning a car in order to make sure you are using it safely and responsibly.
