Automobiles allow you to travel long distances in relative comfort and speed. They are much more convenient than trains or buses and can even reach some locations that are inaccessible to other forms of transportation.
People rely on automobiles to get them where they want and need to go, whether that’s work or school, shopping or family vacations. But the cars we drive don’t just help us move around—they also have an impact on society and the economy.
The modern automobile was invented in the late 1800s and perfected by engineers like Karl Benz. By the 1920s, U.S. businessman Henry Ford had revolutionized the automotive industry by using the assembly line to make cars affordable for middle-class families. With cars now widely available, American culture developed new leisure activities and services such as hotels, motels, amusement parks and fast food restaurants. The automobile also created new laws and government requirements for safety features, highway rules and drivers’ licenses.
Today, automobiles are the most popular mode of transportation in many countries. They are the vehicle of choice for most commuters, and most people cannot imagine living without one. They also play an important role in the lives of those who live in rural areas. For these reasons, it’s important for the automobile industry to keep developing and reinventing itself.