Automobiles, also called motorcars, are the most common form of land transportation in the world. There are over 70 million passenger cars on the roads worldwide. They are also responsible for a lot of air pollution. These vehicles generate carbon monoxide, nitric oxide and hydrocarbon emissions. The effects of these emissions are often seen in large cities with high numbers of drivers.
Modern automobiles have evolved from the invention of the internal combustion engine, a system which uses petrol as fuel. It is an extremely complex technical system which employs thousands of component parts. In addition to its engine, an automobile also has a body, transmission and chassis. Most definitions of the term “automobile” include three or four wheels.
While automobiles are a vital lifeline for many in society, they are also an important contributor to the degradation of the earth’s natural resources. Moreover, they contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
As we enter the 21st century, the number of people who use automobiles is increasing. It is estimated that Americans travel three trillion miles per year. Many individuals and organizations are concerned with the environmental impact of cars. Automobiles are one of the main sources of pollution in large metropolitan areas, causing greenhouse gases which trap the sun’s heat in the atmosphere.
Automobiles have changed the way we think about transportation. From the very first machines in the 19th century, they have evolved into highly advanced technological systems. Throughout the years, they have impacted our lives, and helped create industries that benefit our society. For example, they have led to the development of paved highways. During World War II, automakers focused on the war effort, rather than creating new designs. However, with economic growth and the rise of the middle class, more individuals could afford to buy automobiles.
Today, the industry is a billion dollar business, and manufacturers have a great advantage when it comes to breaking into new markets. Honda has a strong foothold in Brazil and Africa, and is expanding into Argentina and Colombia. Its largest market is the United States, where one-quarter of all passenger cars are manufactured.
One of the major breakthroughs in the automobile industry occurred in 1885, when Karl Benz invented the first gas-powered car. That invention spurred a massive influx of vehicular innovation. Although the invention of the automobiles was a huge accomplishment, the automobiles of the early days had a number of shortcomings.
The first automobiles were primitive, with no windshields, rearview mirrors or seat belts. Henry Ford, who created the Model T, realized that by using an assembly line, he could produce a single model of car for a lower cost.
After World War I, automakers began to focus on the war effort, while the technology stagnated. In the 1960s, the concern about oil reserves lead to the opening of the international market. However, as gasoline prices rose, manufacturers slowed their production.
The automotive industry has a long history of improvements. New technologies and safety legislation have shaped the cars we drive today. But the problem is the depletion of the earth’s fossil fuels.