An automobile (from Greek auto, meaning self, and Latin carus, meaning carriage) is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation. Automobiles are powered by internal combustion engines, electric motors, or a combination of both. Almost all cars are designed to seat one or more people and operate on roads. Some automobiles, such as buses, trucks, and tractors, are designed to carry heavier loads than others.
The automobile began to transform styles of living after it became mass-produced early in the 20th century. It ended rural isolation and brought urban amenities to suburban areas; it influenced where people chose to build homes, shop, work, and play. Today, the automobile continues to drive changes in lifestyles. It determines where people live and work, how they move around their communities, and the layout of streets and neighborhoods. It makes it possible to buy food and other necessities from distant places, and to travel to other countries. It affects where restaurants and banks are located, where schools are situated, and where factories are placed. It also dictates the design of buildings, and it influences where stores and other businesses open.
Many people use their automobiles for commuting to and from work or school, shopping at various retail establishments, going on vacations, and other personal pursuits. Other uses include hauling cargo, towing trailers, and serving as mobile offices. There is even an industry that supports hobbyists who make or paint miniature cars, restore antique vehicles, or build high-performance sports cars. There are also commercial fleets that use automobiles to transport goods and passengers.
It was Karl Benz who developed the first prototype of a modern automobile. His Benz Patent-Motorwagen was powered by a four-stroke, internal-combustion flat engine. This was a major advance over earlier steam-powered locomotives, which had only two or more cylinders. The automobile industry boomed after World War I. During this time, Ford innovated mass production techniques that became standard in American automobile manufacturing. Manufacturers were able to produce more cars at cheaper prices than in Europe. This led to greater competition and consolidation among the many producers, until three big companies emerged in the 1920s: Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler.
After World War II, the era of the annually restyled road cruiser ended. Engineering became subordinated to questionable aesthetics and nonfunctional styling, as well as a growing emphasis on fuel efficiency and safety. The result was a significant reduction in unit profits. In addition, increased demand for gas-guzzling sedans contributed to higher gasoline prices and a drain on dwindling oil reserves.
The term “automobile” is often used to refer to a passenger car, but it can also be applied to other vehicles, including commercial trucks and busses, as well as motorcycles and bicycles. In some countries, the terms automobile and motorcar are synonymous. In other places, automobiles can be classified by their design features, engine type, and bodywork style. These classifications may be regulated by laws on road traffic, insurance, and other matters of public policy.