Automobiles are the epitome of modern invention, and they represent the promise and pitfalls of the industrial revolution. Their impact on the American economy is reflected in the fact that each job in auto manufacturing creates nearly 10 other jobs in the United States. The automobile is also a symbol of freedom, both personal and economic. It can be used to get around town, to travel or to visit friends and family.
The automobile began to dominate the streets of Europe and the United States in the early 20th century. Although the technology for this useful gadget had been available since the late 1800s, it took Henry Ford’s revolutionary methods of assembly line production to make them affordable for middle-class families.
While the earliest automobiles had a very limited range, the development of improved engines and transmission systems allowed them to travel much farther on a single tank of gas. During this period, Auguste Doriot and Louis Rigoulot drove a Daimler-powered Peugeot car 2,100 kilometers (1,300 miles) from Valentigney to Paris and Brest and back, making it the first automobile to complete a round trip.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Automobile
The automobile has many pros and cons, including increased traffic congestion, air pollution, noise pollution, and the use of fossil fuels (petrol and diesel). There is a lot of research and development going into developing new cars that are more efficient than today’s models. These vehicles could include hybrids, electric cars or cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells.