The Importance of Automobiles
Automobiles are wheeled motor vehicles that primarily transport people from one place to another. They are usually designed to hold one to eight passengers. Most automobiles run on a liquid fuel called gasoline, but some use electric motors. The internal combustion engine of the vehicle converts the chemical energy of the fuel into mechanical energy that turns the wheels and moves the car forward or backward, up or down hills, etc. The wheels are connected to the chassis through a transmission system.
The automobile made it possible for people to travel long distances more easily. This was a big advantage in the 1800s when the United States was developing and growing as a country, and people needed to get to cities and towns to find work and engage in commerce. The automobile also spawned new industries, such as manufacturing, service businesses like gas stations and convenience stores, and recreational activities such as camping and sports.
Today, the automobile industry plays a vital role in supporting 9.6 million American jobs and strengthening communities across the country. It involves cutting-edge facilities that assemble millions of cars each year and major transportation infrastructure to deliver completed vehicles to points across the nation and around the world.
A robust automotive sector is crucial to a strong U.S. economy, creating high-paying jobs in every state and region. It supports a wide range of other sectors and services as well, from repairing damaged cars to providing the materials needed for construction projects and more. It all starts with the people who drive and make this country go—more than nine out of ten Americans use a vehicle to get to and from work, school, shopping, and other important daily events.
Benefits of Car Ownership
Owning a car is great for freedom and independence. You can choose to rely on others for your travel or take public transport, but this isn’t always reliable. For example, missing your bus stop can throw off your whole schedule for the day.
Another good reason to own a car is the privacy it offers. When you ride in a bus with many other people, it’s hard to keep to yourself. However, when you have your own car, you can choose to be alone or share the vehicle with friends or family.
In 1916, two women, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, drove cross-country to advocate for women’s rights by decorating their automobile with slogans like “votes for women.” While this might seem pretty daring for the time, it is just an example of how much the automobile can change a person’s life.
The automobile industry includes a wide range of businesses, from small auto repair shops to the large automotive manufacturers. It also encompasses companies that supply parts, metals, and other materials for the production and maintenance of cars. The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) defines the automotive industry broadly as including the following detailed industries: