Automobiles are wheeled motor vehicles that are built to carry passengers. They are powered by internal combustion engines, most commonly fueled with gasoline (or, less frequently, other fuels). Most modern automobiles have four wheels and are designed to travel primarily on roads. The automotive industry is one of the world’s largest.

Autos have had a huge impact on our lives. They’ve opened up new ways of living and working. People can travel long distances to get to work, and people can visit family and friends in a much easier way. People can even get to places that are hard to reach by foot.

The history of the automobile is a story of progress, innovation, and conflict. It is also a story of the exploitation and degradation of the environment. Automobiles have caused pollution and increased the demand for energy. They have helped to create jobs and services that were not available before, like motels, restaurants, and leisure activities. However, the automobile has also brought harm, like injuries and deaths in car accidents.

Exactly who invented the first automobile is a subject of debate. Some historians believe that Ferdinand Verbiest, a Jesuit missionary in China, developed the first self-propelled vehicle in 1672. Others credit John Sullivan, who patented the first steam-powered automobile in 1789. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot was an early auto pioneer in France, and Gottlieb Daimler of Germany is credited with the first petrol/gasoline powered car, which was built in 1885.

The design of the body of an automobile is influenced by its intended use. Automobiles designed for off-road driving need durable, robust systems that are highly resistant to overloads and extreme operating conditions. On the other hand, products intended to drive at high speeds require optimized engine performance and passenger comfort options, as well as improved stability.

There are many different types of automobiles, ranging from compact hatchbacks to large SUVs. A coupe is a two-door vehicle, while sedans have four doors. Hatchbacks and station wagons have a rear hatch or lift-up rear seat, making them suitable for carrying extra cargo. Other models include convertibles, sports cars, and luxury vehicles.

The cost and convenience of automobiles has led to an increase in the number of people who own them. In the United States, more than 90 percent of households own a car. This figure is even higher in rural and suburban areas where stores are not within walking distance. In addition, the layout of many American metropolitan areas makes it necessary for residents to own a car in order to commute to work.

The automobile has revolutionized the way we live and work. It has expanded the range of possible career choices and allowed us to build more stable relationships with our loved ones. However, the disadvantages of owning an automobile include the need for maintenance, the risk of a crash, and environmental damage from gas-burning vehicles. People can limit their greenhouse emissions by buying a more fuel-efficient car, and they can reduce the amount of pollution in their cities by limiting the use of public transportation.