An automobile is a four-wheeled motor vehicle designed to carry one or more people and to transport cargo over long distances. Modern automobiles are typically propelled by internal combustion engines powered by volatile fuel, with most models using gasoline as their primary fuel source. Automobiles are widely considered to have had the greatest impact on the development of the 20th century, surpassing the invention of airplanes and space travel in importance.
The modern automobile is a complex technical system that employs many subsystems with specific design functions. The body of the car provides structural support and protection for its occupants, while the drive train, engine, transmission, controls, safety systems, and electrical systems power the movement of the wheels. Each of these systems is influenced by the particular intended use of the car; vehicles designed for off-road use must be durable and simple, while those designed for highway speed require optimized passenger comfort options and increased engine performance.
AN INDUSTRY FOR ALL AGES
The automobile industry is a large and diverse sector of the economy, providing employment for millions of workers worldwide. In addition, the automotive industry has a strong impact on global supply chains, with components and materials for cars coming from 206 countries. This makes the automobile a key component in global economics and is a crucial contributor to the world’s prosperity.
While the automobile is a relatively recent invention, it has impacted many facets of modern life and has become an indispensable part of the infrastructure of most societies. Having your own car can open up a world of possibilities for your personal and professional lives, allowing you to travel further and connect with more friends and family members.
AN ECONOMY FOR ALL AGES
The automobile is an extremely resource-intensive product, requiring a substantial amount of raw materials from around the globe. These materials come from a wide range of sources, including metals and other nonferrous minerals, fossil fuels, and the sand and quartz used to make glass. The sourcing of these materials is highly sensitive to economic, ecological, and geopolitical factors, which makes automobile manufacturing one of the most adaptive industries in the world. The development of the assembly line in 1908 allowed producers to start automobile production with a very small investment, and mass production has made cars more affordable and accessible than ever before.
INNOVATIONS THAT ARE THE BUSINESS
The automobile has been a significant driver of technology for over 100 years, and continues to influence the way we live. From groundbreaking engineering to advanced safety features, the automobile is a constantly evolving and improving machine that is revolutionizing how we get around. From the iconic Porsche 911 to the eco-friendly Genesis GV80, each new model is an objective improvement on its predecessors, with vehicles that are safer, more powerful, faster, and more luxurious than ever before.
