An automobile is a wheeled vehicle that is self-propelled and runs on the road. It is primarily used for transportation of people or goods. It can be propelled by an internal combustion engine or alternative means like electric battery, fuel cell, etc.
Automobiles are a vital part of our lives as it allows us to move easily from one place to another. Having a car is also very important to get to places in case of emergencies. Getting stuck in an unexpected situation can be very stressful and it can be impossible to reach the required location without your own car.
Historically, Automobiles were mostly steam powered. But in 1886, a German engineer named Carl Benz patented the first internal combustion engine which was the start of the automobile industry.
Today, there are 1.4 billion cars in operation worldwide and nearly 70 million new units built each year. Passenger cars make up the largest segment of vehicles used by consumers.
The majority of the world’s passenger vehicles are gasoline-powered. Other common fuels include diesel and CNG.
Modern automobiles are very complex and require a high level of engineering and manufacturing. They can be very expensive to manufacture and maintain.
Autos have evolved to become safer and more efficient. Safety belts, airbags and specialised child restraint systems have all been developed to reduce fatalities.
Regulatory agencies in most countries require that new vehicles undergo driving cycles to assess exhaust emissions. These cycles are a combination of various driving modes that mimic a real-world driving environment.