An automobile, also known as a car or a motor vehicle, is a wheeled passenger transportation that is powered by an internal combustion engine running on a volatile fuel. It has a chassis with four wheels and carries both passengers and cargo. Its most common fuel is gasoline, but other options exist. The modern automobile is a highly engineered system with many subsystems that have specific design functions. The automobile revolutionized travel, allowing people to move long distances easily. This enables them to work in different places and to expand their social circles. In addition, owning a car can save time on daily commutes and shopping trips.
In the late 19th century, several inventors were working independently to create a self-propelled vehicle that could travel on roads. Karl Benz is widely credited with creating the first true automobile in 1885, which was powered by an internal combustion engine. The automotive industry developed quickly in the early 20th century. By 1914, automobile production had reached a level that made them affordable for middle-class families. In the United States, Henry Ford used mass production techniques to make his Model T runabout more affordable.
Today, there are a variety of automobiles to choose from, including electric cars that offer quiet, clean driving and high mileage, and sports cars that can zoom around corners. There are even special automobiles, such as fire engines and ambulances, that are designed for emergency use. There are even automobiles that are designed to help the disabled and elderly.