Automobiles are wheeled vehicles for transportation of people, commonly with four wheels and powered by internal combustion engines fueled by gasoline (petrol), but sometimes also by other fuels such as diesel or alternative fuels. Modern automobiles are often complex technical systems, incorporating many subsystems designed to perform specific functions. These may include the car’s body, chassis, engine, drivetrain, power train, safety systems and in-car entertainment systems. New technological developments are constantly being made, both for the individual vehicles and the systems they integrate.
An automobile can be driven on paved roads or other surfaces, but most are designed for use on roads with traffic rules, which require speed limits and a system for regulating the flow of cars on the road. The automobile is a vital component of a global transportation system, with billions of people using cars for their daily commute and other journeys. It is also the world’s largest industry and a key driver of economic, ecological, and geopolitical change.
The first autos were invented in the 1890s, though the term ‘automobile’ did not appear until 1902. Henry Ford’s manufacturing methods revolutionized production, and American automobile companies became dominant by the 1920s. The industry grew even faster after the U.S. entered World War II and manufacturers funneled their resources into military production, but the industry again became a global enterprise after the war.
Throughout its evolution, the automobile has been a symbol of freedom and individuality. It reflects a cultural predisposition, particularly in the United States, toward personal freedom of movement and action, and the independence that comes with it. It has been a vehicle of social change as well, providing the means for people to escape urban areas for suburban life and for people in rural communities to visit and shop in their city centers.
Automobiles have also been important in the development of many ancillary industries and services. For example, in the 1920s, automobile production consumed more raw materials than any other industry in the United States, requiring enormous amounts of petroleum and steel. The automobile also spurred the creation of a huge number of jobs in service industries such as gas stations, convenience stores and repair shops.
It’s also a symbol of wealth and status, as evidenced by its popularity among the rich and famous. And of course, it’s a lot of fun to drive!
In this photo gallery we feature a selection of vintage and contemporary automobiles. These cars are all about style, performance and luxury. From sports cars to convertibles and sedans, these are some of the most desirable automobiles in the world.
The era of the automobile is one of the most significant developments in human history. They have completely transformed the way we live. From the way we travel, to the ways we communicate, the automobile has brought about an extraordinary amount of change in our lives. It’s hard to imagine a world without them. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite pictures that show just how revolutionary the automobile has been.