Automobiles are vehicles that are powered by engines or motors and can be driven on paved roads. They are often equipped with seats for people to ride in, and a roof to provide protection from weather. Automobiles are very useful, as they allow people to travel quickly and easily to their destinations without having to wait for public transportation or arrange a ride through friends or relatives. Some automobiles are also designed to carry cargo, and many have special features for hauling equipment, such as bicycles or ski gear. Some even have removable roofs for driving in the open air. New technologies and design innovations make automobiles more efficient, safer and more comfortable than ever before.
Modern life would be inconceivable without automobiles, as they enable people to reach their destinations quickly and easily. Automobiles can be used in emergency situations such as when a loved one falls sick, when someone needs to go to the hospital or when a sudden problem arises at work. They can also be used for leisure activities such as going shopping or visiting a friend.
In the past, people made some steam cars that were driven by steam or electricity, but these did not become very popular. In 1886, Karl Benz invented the modern automobile by using an internal combustion engine to power his Benz Patent-Motorwagen. After this innovation, several other inventors developed steam and electric automobiles, including Duryea and Haynes. But by 1910, Henry Ford had introduced mass production to his Model T automobile, and it became the most common vehicle for middle class families.
Currently, more than 1.4 billion passenger cars are on the road worldwide. Most of them are powered by gasoline, but a few run on diesel fuel, wood gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), or a mixture of ethanol and gasoline called flex-fuel. The automobile is also recognized as a major source of pollutants, and governments have set strict emission standards for the gases that they release into the air.
Other types of automobiles include hatchbacks, sedans, station wagons and SUVs. Hatchbacks have a trunk that opens up, while sedans have a traditional trunk. Station wagons are similar to sedans but have less sloped rear windows and more room for passengers and luggage. SUVs have the space of wagons with the sportiness of sedans and coupes.
People can also buy commercial vehicles, which are often called trucks or vans. These are large, heavy vehicles that can be used for hauling freight or transporting people. Some are built to carry tools or equipment, and some are made for hauling large loads such as construction materials, containers or furniture. There are also special purpose vehicles, such as ambulances and milk vans.