The automobile, or motor car, is the most common form of transport in modern society. Its basic function is to carry people and goods. There are many different types of vehicles, including sports cars, passenger cars, and light trucks. Automobiles are a complex technical system requiring thousands of components.
Throughout history, the automobile has played an important role in the lives of humans. They serve as a lifeline to transportation and are a major factor in the evolution of the modern city. In addition, they have made urban amenities available to rural Americans.
While the automobile was first invented in Germany in the late 1800s, it was not introduced in the United States until the early twentieth century. It revolutionized the petroleum industry and steel industry, and became the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society.
After World War II, automobile production soared in the United States, Japan, and Europe. The automobile industry was the leading customer of the steel industry, and became a main component of the petroleum industry.
The United States became a major manufacturing nation, and the manufacturing tradition made automobiles affordable to middle-class families. Standardization led to increased volume of production, and lower prices.
As the demand for cars grew, manufacturers began to introduce new designs more frequently. Among the most popular were the Model T, which sold 15 million units by 1927.
Eventually, the automobile brought more medical care and urban amenities to rural America. Moreover, it helped increase tourism.