Throughout history, automobiles have changed the way people live. They provide access to jobs, places to live and leisure activities. They have brought new services like hotels and fast food restaurants, but they have also caused harm to the environment through exhaust pollution and use of undeveloped land for roads.
Karl Benz is often credited with inventing the modern automobile around 1885. Other inventors and engineers continued to improve on his work. Henry Ford used the idea of mass production to make cars affordable for the middle class. This helped the automobile become a fixture in American life.
Automobiles use many raw materials, including metals, fibers and sand. The sourcing of these materials is dependent on economic, ecological and geopolitical factors. Automobile manufacturers adapt raw material sources to meet the needs of different markets. For example, off-road vehicles require rugged systems that withstand severe overloads and extreme operating conditions. Automobiles designed for highways need passenger comfort options and optimized high-speed handling.
Research and development engineers continue to improve the car’s chassis, engine, transmission, electrical systems, safety equipment and service devices. They work to create a safer and more efficient vehicle, one that uses less fuel. In addition to these improvements, they also focus on the car’s appearance and design. For instance, engineers develop new body styles for sedans, coupes and vans. They also look for ways to reduce noise and vibrations inside the car. They experiment with a range of materials to produce lighter and more durable cars.