Automobiles are a highly sophisticated technical system, built on thousands of component parts. Its function is to carry passengers and goods. The main goal of manufacturers is to develop new designs and increase stability, performance and safety.
While there are many definitions of automobiles, most refer to them as motor vehicles with four wheels and a driver. Most also specify that they are capable of carrying a number of people.
During the mid-Victorian era, bicycle builder Sylvester Howard Roper invented a machine similar to today’s motorcycle. A few years later, bicycle manufacturer Ernest Michaux invented a contraption similar to the automobile.
An automobile’s most significant technological advancement came with the invention of the internal combustion engine. It was patented in 1885, the same year as the motorcycle.
However, the automotive industry is a difficult one to master. Its challenges are material progress, and improving the chassis and control systems.
A large part of the automotive industry’s success is due to its ability to divide the market into smaller segments. Today, there are roughly 70 million passenger cars sold worldwide. Almost half of those are from foreign manufacturers.
The automobile industry has changed a lot over the past century. New technologies have come along to improve safety, performance and control systems. Manufacturers also use research and development engineers to develop new systems and innovations.
Today’s automobiles feature a number of safety features, including antilock brakes. Some vehicles, such as the BMW K1600, make their debut with a new adaptive headlight.