Automobiles are powered by engines that use gas, electricity, or other fuel to drive the wheels. They are a popular form of transportation for people that need to get around and don’t want to rely on public transportation or walking. Cars can save you a lot of time if you have a busy schedule or have a long commute to work or school.
Automobiles were first invented in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but they became a dominant force in American culture by the 1920s when they were primarily manufactured in factories and distributed through dealers. Henry Ford innovated mass production techniques to make cars more affordable, and the automobile industry grew rapidly. The automobile revolutionized many aspects of life in America, including personal freedom and changing the way we interact with each other. It also spawned industries like steel and rubber, oil and gasoline, and created new jobs. Services like gas stations and convenience stores sprung up to serve the demand for automobiles.
The word “automobile” comes from the French auto-‘self’ and mobile ‘able to move’. Before the invention of automobiles, most forms of transportation needed a horse or locomotive to pull them along. An automobile moves on its own, hence the name – it is self-propelled.
It’s not known who exactly invented the modern automobile, but it is generally believed that Karl Benz was responsible for the invention of the first successful vehicle in 1885/1886. He used a four-stroke internal combustion engine.