Automobiles, which are primarily powered by petroleum, have profoundly changed the world and the way we live. It would be impossible to imagine modern life without them. The automobile has given many millions of people a freedom to travel and it has created entire industries that supply them with fuel, parts and services. It has also changed the face of American culture and is an integral part of our daily lives.
Throughout history there have been many methods of transporting people, animals and goods over long distances. The earliest vehicles were powered by steam and moved with the help of human or animal power. These primitive types of transportation were slow and labor intensive.
In the 19th century, several inventors developed engines that powered cars and the first gasoline-powered automobiles appeared in Europe. But it was an American, Henry Ford, who revolutionized the industry with the invention of the assembly line, which allowed him to make a car affordable for middle class families.
Cars are complex machines with a variety of systems that power, control and steer them. In addition, they require large amounts of oil and generate pollutants that pollute the air and contribute to global warming. Millions of people around the world work in factories making or maintaining cars, and even more in related jobs such as filling stations or restaurants that cater to travelers.
Despite the huge benefits that automobiles provide, some people question whether or not they should be used at all. Those who oppose the use of automobiles often point to the fact that they cause enormous environmental damage, ranging from air pollution and greenhouse gases to traffic congestion and loss of parking space. In addition, they say, cars cause millions of deaths and injuries every year.
On the other hand, proponents of the automobile argue that it is a necessary means of transport that has brought with it many positive social changes. They cite that it allows people to work at jobs away from home, which has helped create new industries and job opportunities. It also allows people to take vacations and spend time with family members.
For these reasons and others, the automobile is a popular mode of transport in most countries. It is important to consider both sides of the argument before making a decision about whether or not to own one.