Automobiles are vehicles powered by internal combustion engines for the transport of passengers and/or goods. Typically, they are designed to run primarily on roads and have seating for one to seven people. An automobile’s design incorporates standards of safety, size and weight, fuel efficiency and aerodynamics (or ways to reduce the friction of air flow). Modern automobiles are designed by a wide range of engineers and scientists. The research and development of new technical developments helps to improve the quality and performance of automobiles.
THE AUTOMOBILE OPENS UP THE WORLD
Owning a car enables you to travel long distances with ease. This opens up many possibilities for work and play, allowing you to live in different locations depending on your career needs, as well as having the ability to visit family and friends more frequently. The flexibility of the automobile also allows you to spend more time doing the things you enjoy, rather than travelling to and from places.
The automobile is the result of a number of innovations, starting with Siegfried Marcus’s two-stroke gasoline internal combustion engine in 1870, followed by Karl Benz’s petrol or gas motorcar in 1885, which featured Bertha Benz’s historic drive. Various steam, electric and gasoline internal combustion engines competed for decades before the automobile’s dominance by the 1910s. The development of the assembly line by Ransom Eli Olds in 1902, and later by Henry Ford at his plants, enabled mass production and lowered the cost of cars.
Despite some skepticism about the safety of automobiles, they have changed our lives. The freedom of movement they confer on their owners has transformed society and culture around the globe. But they have also encouraged sprawl (sprawling, low-density development that degrades the landscape) and contribute to global warming.
Today, the variety of automobiles is enormous. There are many types of SUVs, crossovers and pickup trucks, with a growing number of options for sedans, coupes and convertibles. The latest additions are hybrids and battery-powered vehicles, with the latter being increasingly popular.
Whether you want a sporty compact or a large and luxurious family SUV, there are options for every taste. There are even some that offer the best of both worlds, combining the driving dynamics of sedans with off-road capability and space of SUVs, like the Mazda CX-9. The safety of our loved ones is a top priority for all, and owning an automobile allows us to transport them to and from any destination with ease. It also gives us the security of knowing that we are in control of our safety, unlike public transportation users who have to trust the reliability of bus drivers and other strangers. In addition, owning a car provides the peace of mind that comes with having your own vehicle and being in control of its maintenance and speed. It is also a great way to save money on taxis and public transportation. This is especially true for families who need to transport children and other people to and from school, work and appointments.