Automobiles, also known as motorcars, are vehicles designed for transportation, usually passenger-carrying. Automobiles today are sophisticated technical systems with thousands of individual components, which have evolved over time from advances in existing technology and new developments, air pollution and safety legislation, and the competition among automobile manufacturers around the world. In this article, we will look at the history of the automobile, the evolution of different vehicle subsystems, and some of their current and future uses.
Invention of the automobile
The automobile dates back to the 15th century when it was invented by Leonardo da Vinci. It has been credited to Benz and other inventors as the first true automobile, but knowledge of the invention continues to change. In 1885, Karl Benz of Germany invented the first gasoline-powered automobile, which changed the way people viewed transportation. In the years following, the automobile industry expanded to other parts of the world, including Japan and Europe.
Safety features
As cars get faster and more efficient, more safety features are required. But is safety technology more dangerous than helpful? Experts in computer security argue that the latest safety features can actually be more dangerous than helpful. Chris Valasek and Charlie Miller are both working on the security side of computers, and view automobiles as computer networks. The latest safety features are available in a wide variety of cars. Learn more about the most common ones, and whether they’re worth the expense.
Environmental impact
The environmental impact of automobiles is one of the hottest topics in the auto industry, and many manufacturers are making changes in order to reduce the pollution caused by vehicles. New regulations are requiring that automobiles have less environmental impact, which translates into higher prices for the consumer. While technological advances should reduce this cost, new standards will force automobile makers to increase prices. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency states that automobiles made after 2009 will be more expensive than those produced before then.
Safety regulations
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) set minimum performance levels for automotive equipment and manufacturers. These standards help ensure the safety of drivers and passengers, reduce crashes and save lives. Additionally, they control the environmental impact of vehicles. By following safety regulations, automobiles are more secure than ever before. For example, in 2016, China capped the number of new license plates it can create each year. And this trend is likely to continue.