Generally, an automobile is a four-wheeled vehicle that is used for transportation of goods or passengers. A motorcycle, on the other hand, is a two-wheeled auto propelled by a single engine.
Automobiles have been around for centuries, but the modern version has evolved from new technologies and regulations. The first automobile to use an internal combustion engine was designed in Germany during the 1880s. Today, automobiles are complex technical systems that employ thousands of component parts. Automotive companies employ research and development engineers and scientists to improve the body, chassis, engine, and safety systems of their vehicles. The vehicle’s most significant safety feature is the seat belt, which attaches across the lap and shoulder to reduce the probability of serious injury by 64 percent.
Auto manufacturers introduced numerous safety standards in the mid-twentieth century to improve the safety of their vehicles. These standards regulated windshields, door strength, lighting, safety belts, and brakes. Some standards were more practical than others. The requirement to have a seat belt on all passenger cars was considered the most important.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was given the authority to enforce safety standards on vehicles. It was given the authority to issue recalls for defective vehicles and coordinate state programs to improve driver behavior. Several automakers lobbied against safety regulation, claiming that most auto injuries were caused by driver error.
However, the regulations imposed on automakers only go so far in reducing injuries. Experts say that the best way to reduce auto injuries is to require auto manufacturers to design safer cars. This means that auto companies must develop a safer vehicle and increase the amount of safety equipment on their vehicles. However, the auto industry was suffering in the early 1980s and many companies had to be bailed out.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration enacted several safety laws, including seat belt requirements, air bags, and passive restraint systems for front seat occupants. In addition, the United States government negotiated a quota system with Japan, which limited imports of Japanese cars to one-fourth of U.S. vehicle production. This caused the price of Japanese autos to rise.
Automobiles are often heavily taxed. They are also the target of thieves. However, automobiles also serve a vital role in modern society. Despite the challenges, automakers have managed to build a global industry. A third of all passenger cars sold in the United States are foreign-made. This makes automobiles a valuable Personal Property in the U.S.
Automobiles can be fun to drive on the weekends. However, they are also expensive to buy and maintain. The number of automobiles in the United States has increased steadily over the past two decades. The number of passenger cars sold worldwide has grown to 1.4 billion.
Automobiles are also a major cause of air pollution. The industry is regulated by a variety of laws, including EPA regulations on emissions. Although automobiles can be fun to drive, they are also dangerous. They can cause substantial personal injury and can be a major cause of air pollution. Automobiles are often the target of theft, and they are heavily taxed.
