Automobiles are wheeled vehicles powered by engines to provide transportation for people or goods. They can carry more people than a bicycle or walking and can hold a lot of luggage. They are faster than walking and can go places public transport (buses, trains) cannot due to poor road conditions or steep terrain. They are also available in 4-wheel drive which makes them good for going over rough terrain. They run on gas, diesel or electricity. The automobile is a vital part of our everyday lives and has helped build the economy in many countries.
The first true motor vehicle was invented in the late 19th century by Karl Benz in Germany. However, the development of automobiles was a worldwide affair and it is hard to say who created the first modern car with the features that we know today. The 1901 Mercedes, for example, is considered the first modern car in terms of its design, while Ransom Olds’ one-cylinder three-horsepower tiller-steered curved dash Oldsmobile of 1904 was an early American success because it was affordable to middle class Americans.
Automobiles opened up a huge number of opportunities to access jobs, homes and services that were previously only possible with the use of public transport or by walking. The ability to travel long distances also meant that people could work in one place and live in another, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for both career and family life.