Automobiles (also known as cars) are wheeled motor vehicles that run primarily on roads and seat one to eight people. They have four wheels and usually have a trunk (or boot) for cargo. Most automobiles use an internal combustion engine to run and generate power for the wheels. This power comes from burning a fuel in the vehicle’s engine, and the engines are most commonly powered by gasoline (petrol), but some are also built to run on diesel or other fuels.
The scientific and technical building blocks of the automobile go back several hundred years, but the modern car began to take shape in the late 1800s. German engineer Karl Benz is generally given credit for inventing the first automobile, but these early models were expensive and not widely available. By 1908, inventor Henry Ford had created a Model T that brought automobile technology within the reach of middle-class Americans and sparked a period of rapid development for the industry.
Modern automobiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and many have special features for certain purposes. For example, off-road vehicles must have rugged, durable systems that can withstand severe overloads and extreme operating conditions. On the other hand, passenger vehicles must be safe and comfortable for long trips, and high-speed cars require optimized high-speed handling and stability. The type of automobile that you choose depends on your lifestyle and budget. The most common types are sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, minivans, station wagons, and SUVs.