An automobile is a wheeled motor vehicle used to carry passengers and cargo. It is driven by an internal combustion engine, electric motors or a combination of both. Automobiles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, designed to meet the varied needs of consumers. They can be divided into categories by their passenger capacity, cargo space or design purpose: sedan/saloon, hatchback, station wagon/estate, sports car and utility vehicles like pickup trucks. Many different styles of cars have been designed over time to accommodate consumer preferences and the latest technical innovations.
Automobiles are the most popular means of personal transportation in the world. Over 5 -59 million cars are manufactured each year and they have become the symbol of modern life. They are used for work, leisure, and travel between towns and cities. They are the dominant form of transport in urban areas and their use is increasing in rural areas as well. Automobiles provide a number of important benefits to society, including convenience, safety, and comfort.
COMMUNCATION: With the ability to travel long distances in a short amount of time, automobiles allow people to spend more time with their families. This can be especially beneficial for parents with young children. Having a car can also save time that would be spent waiting for public transportation or coordinating with friends to schedule a ride. In addition, having a car allows for greater flexibility in arranging appointments and meeting deadlines.
SECURITY: Having a car provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you can travel on your own without worrying about the reliability of public transportation or catching a lift from a stranger. This is especially true in areas where public transportation options are limited or nonexistent. It is possible to rent a car or buy a second hand one to save on initial expenses. However, ongoing costs such as insurance, maintenance and fuel must be taken into consideration when considering buying an automobile.
MASS PRODUCTION: The mass production of automobiles has allowed them to be more affordable than ever before. Several important technological advances have been made, such as the electric self-starter (invented by Charles Kettering for the Cadillac Motor Company in 1910-1911) and independent suspension (invented by Emile Levassor and Armand Peugeot for their Daimler-powered vehicles in 1890).
AUTONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Since the end of World War II, cars have become more automated and computerized. They now have a host of features that make driving safer and easier, such as automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning. Some are even capable of parking themselves or avoiding collisions.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS: The manufacture, operation and maintenance of automobiles contribute to environmental problems. Automobiles produce a significant amount of pollution, which damages the environment and threatens human health. In addition, they can cause wildlife to be killed on roadsides, a phenomenon known as roadkill. Various efforts have been made to mitigate these effects, such as designing roads to avoid animal crossings and creating green bridges that let animals move across them.