Automobiles are a significant invention that has changed human civilization like nothing else. They allow us to travel long distances easily and quickly, making it possible for people to work and play in places other than their homes. This has helped to create a number of industries, including manufacturing, retail, and services such as hotels and gas stations. Automobiles also have shaped urban design and public transportation.

While it is hard to determine exactly who invented the automobile, it was first perfected in Germany and France toward the end of the nineteenth century by such men as Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz, and Nicolaus Otto. The 1901 Mercedes, designed by Wilhelm Maybach, is considered the first modern motorcar in all of its essentials. It was a stark contrast to Ransom E. Olds’ one-cylinder, three-horsepower tiller-steered, curved dash four-door model that sold for $650 and was advertised as “a high-class car with moderate prices.”

When you own your own vehicle, it means you can avoid having to take others in public transportation with you. This can help to make sure you do not get stuck in a traffic jam and are on time for an important meeting. It also allows you to avoid the social distancing that can happen with having strangers in your personal space when taking a bus. Having your own vehicle can also save you money on other costs of transport such as train tickets or taxi fees.