The automobile is one of the most important industrial products because it gives people mobility to travel distances for work, leisure and shopping. Its use has triggered many new industries and created jobs. It also has helped people get access to services like restaurants, motels and health care. The automobile has also facilitated the development of suburbs and urban centers, and it has ended rural isolation. It has stimulated participation in outdoor recreation and contributed to the growth of tourism-related businesses, such as service stations and roadside restaurants. It has resulted in the construction of roads and highways, one of the largest items of public works spending. It has also caused environmental problems, such as air pollution and noise, and it has required the emergence of laws on safety features and driving practices.

Almost all automobiles burn a fuel to make an internal combustion engine (sometimes called a motor) run and turn the wheels. This engine is usually powered by gasoline, but other fuels are used. The power generated from the internal combustion of the fuel is used to turn the wheels, and it may be used to drive other mechanical devices like an air conditioning compressor. Some vehicles are powered by electricity, which is generated by an electric motor. Electric cars can be powered by batteries or regenerative brakes that convert the energy in their movement back to electrical power.

Automobiles are primarily manufactured by large automotive manufacturers that have the economies of scale to produce and sell them at relatively low prices. Several automobile components are manufactured by small companies that are specialized in specific areas, such as the manufacture of steel bodies or heating systems. The automobile industry is a highly competitive, technologically advanced industry that develops new innovations quickly to stay ahead of consumer demand.

Henry Ford revolutionized the automobile industry by inventing the assembly line, where workers stay in place and perform only a single task as the parts pass in front of them on a conveyor belt. This type of production is now commonplace worldwide. The automakers strive to create vehicles that are easy to operate and comfortable to ride in. They use advanced materials to reduce the weight of the vehicle and improve its performance, fuel efficiency, and aerodynamics. They employ a variety of electronic and computer controls to increase the vehicle’s stability, handling and comfort. They are also developing alternative fuels, such as hydrogen.

The automobile has brought about changes in society and economy, both in the United States and abroad. It has reduced dependence on horses for transportation and spelled the end of the era of the family farm. It has increased the number of jobs in the manufacturing, maintenance and repair of automobiles. It has promoted the creation of suburban communities and cities, and it has contributed to a decline in farming. It has also sparked the development of recreational activities and prompted the emergence of new service businesses, such as gas stations, hotels and fast food restaurants.