An automobile, also known as a motor car, is a wheeled passenger vehicle designed for transportation. Typically, it has four wheels and is propelled by an internal combustion engine burning a volatile fuel. Modern cars are complex technical systems employing thousands of subsystems with specific design functions.
Invented in the late 1800s, automobiles gave people more freedom to move around and allowed them to travel long distances quickly and easily. As the auto industry developed, many companies competed for market share. By the 1920s, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler dominated the American market. The car is the most common mode of transportation, and its popularity is growing worldwide. Today, there are an estimated 1.4 billion passenger cars in operation worldwide.
The automobile was first perfected in Germany and France toward the end of the nineteenth century by engineers such as Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz and Nicolaus Otto. However, it was Henry Ford who revolutionized the automobile industry by introducing mass production in his Model T factory and making cars affordable to a middle class. This created the foundation for modern consumer society.
By the 1920s, automobiles became easier to operate. Self-starters, closed all-steel bodies and hydraulic brakes were introduced. In addition, power steering and air conditioning were available. At this point, the automobile became an essential part of everyday life. People had more leisure time and were able to visit each other in cities and the countryside. Industries sprang up to supply parts and fuel for the new vehicles. Services such as gas stations and convenience stores grew to meet the demand.
In the 1950s, automobile manufacturers continued to introduce new models. These included smaller, more efficient engines, and a shift to the use of a transaxle drive system (front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive). By the 1960s, it was necessary to develop safer, crash-test oriented automobiles. The era of the annually restyled road cruiser came to an end with the introduction of standards for automotive safety and emissions control; with escalating oil prices; and with the emergence of Japanese fuel-efficient, functionally designed small cars.
Today, automobiles are associated with personal freedom and are a symbol of wealth. In addition to providing access to jobs and social activities, cars are used for recreation, shopping and commuting. With all the choices available, it’s important to choose a car that is right for your needs. FICOH can help you find the best cars for your budget, whether you want to buy a traditional saloon or a modern SUV. We can also protect your car with affordable auto, home and renters insurance through our FirstSelect Portfolio.