Automobiles, also known as cars, are wheeled vehicles powered by an engine that travel on land. They are used for transportation in developed countries. They have played a major role in changing social and economic patterns, and they have transformed industrial processes. The automobile has become a dominant force in the economy of most developed nations, and it is often considered an essential part of a modern society.

The first gasoline-powered automobiles were built in the late 1800s. European car companies like Mercedes and Benz pioneered advanced designs, while American manufacturers like Ford and Durant mass-produced models to keep prices down. The United States had a large market for cars, thanks to its vast territory and wide distribution of settlements. Cheap raw materials and the absence of tariff barriers also encouraged domestic production.

As cars became more affordable, the American middle class began to buy them in large numbers. By the 1920s, cars were the country’s most valuable product and a central force in a new consumer goods-oriented society. They became the lifeblood of ancillary industries, such as petroleum and steel, and drove advances in manufacturing technology.

The automobile has also changed the world by expanding freedom of movement. Having a car can eliminate the need to travel long distances, and it can help people find jobs and homes in different parts of the country. It also provides a way to avoid the discomfort and pollution associated with mass transit systems, and it gives individuals more control over their schedules and lifestyles.