Automobiles are vehicles that move under their own power (as opposed to trucks, buses, limousines and trains). They have four wheels and an internal combustion engine. They are powered by gasoline, diesel fuel, gas turbines or electricity and are the dominant mode of transportation in industrialized countries.
The automobile revolutionized the world, making it possible for urban areas to expand rapidly and for people to travel to work or home without needing to take public transportation or to walk. It also created new businesses such as gas stations, restaurants and motels. The development of highways accelerated the growth of cities, and modern suburban life is virtually inconceivable without access to an automobile.
After the two world wars, car makers started adding new features to their models. Power steering and power brakes became common. Cars grew bigger and used more fuel, resulting in increased air pollution and a drain on dwindling oil reserves. In the 1970s the era of the big gas-guzzling road cruiser ended as safety, pollution and energy conservation concerns took hold.
Today the automobile industry is dominated by relatively few large corporations, the biggest being Toyota, General Motors and Ford Motor Company. There are many different brands of cars, however. A few European manufacturers, including BMW and Mercedes, make high-performance, luxury automobiles. The Mini, a small British car made by the German firm DaimlerChrysler, has gained a reputation for reliability and quality. Its popularity has led to the creation of a variety of spin-off models, including the Mini Cooper and its various variants and the Mini Countryman.