The Importance of Automobiles
The automobile is a motorized vehicle that is primarily designed for passenger transportation. It is usually propelled by an internal-combustion engine using a volatile fuel. Modern automobiles are complex technical systems involving thousands of component parts that function in concert to form the body, chassis, suspension, and drive train. They employ advanced electronics, computer controls and safety systems. Some utilize alternative energy sources, such as electric and hybrid power.
The automotive industry is a vital part of America’s economy and strengthens communities across the country. From cutting-edge facilities that assemble millions of cars each year to major transport infrastructure that exports completed vehicles to points around the world, American automakers are a driving force behind our nation’s economic prosperity.
Automobiles have changed the way we live, work and play. They have enabled people to commute long distances, allowing them to work and shop more efficiently. They have also given people more freedom to travel and pursue leisure activities, resulting in new industries such as restaurants and motels. The automobile has had a profound impact on society in the United States, fostering a new consumer culture and helping to create many jobs.
The automobile has become the dominant mode of personal transportation in the developed world, with more than 1.4 billion cars in operation worldwide. The ubiquity of the car has created demand for a range of ancillary products, including petroleum and gasoline, rubber, steel, and plastics. It has also stimulated the growth of a host of services, such as parking, towing, insurance, and maintenance.