Automobiles have revolutionized transportation by enabling people to travel longer distances than ever before. They have given individuals more freedom, increased the variety of leisure activities, and created new industries. But they have also brought harm to the environment through pollution and drained world oil supplies. This prompted government to impose safety features and highway rules and drivers’ licenses.

The automobile was first developed in the late 19th century as a means of transporting goods. It was not until the invention of the gasoline powered engine that the automobile was able to be used for transportation of passengers. There are now more than 1.4 billion passenger cars in use worldwide. This number includes those made by both domestic and foreign manufacturers.

Before the automobile came into common usage, people had to walk or take horse-drawn carriages for transportation. The automobile was first mass produced in the United States. Henry Ford innovated modern assembly-line production techniques in the early 20th century, which allowed workers to work at a fixed station doing a single task while a conveyor belt moved parts from one station to another. This enabled the production of many cars in a short time. This type of automobile was later copied by other companies.

In the 1920s, the automobile became a powerful force for change. It was the main source of income for the petroleum industry and a major customer for the steel, rubber, and other ancillary industries. In addition, it was a major employer and provided the most valuable source of jobs in America.

It also gave people the ability to commute to work and other places, and helped in the development of cities and suburbs. It also enabled the growth of a number of services, such as motels, hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks. In the 21st century, automobiles continue to be the primary form of transportation for most Americans. The variety of car models now on the market has never been greater. There are now SUVs in a variety of shapes and sizes, minivans, convertibles, and big sedans. Several new types of vehicles are emerging, including those powered by electric or battery power, and those that run on alternative fuels like ethanol.

Although the automobile is still an important part of American life, it no longer acts as a progressive force for change. Other forces, such as the electronic media, the laser, and the computer, are charting the future of society. The automobile has become the backbone of a consumer-goods oriented economy, but it no longer leads the way. In the future, it will be replaced by more energy efficient cars that are designed for urban use. The automobile industry must adapt to this changing environment. Otherwise it will lose its leadership role and be overtaken by the competition from other countries that have a long tradition of making automobiles. For example, Germany and Japan make excellent cars that are functionally designed and built. These cars are often less expensive than American ones and more technologically advanced.