An automobile (or motor car) is a self-propelled four-wheeled vehicle intended for transportation of people and/or goods. It is generally driven by an internal combustion engine fueled most commonly by gasoline, though it can also be powered by diesel fuel, kerosene, or electricity. The modern automobile is a complex technical system with thousands of design functions. It has subsystems for the body, chassis, electrical systems, engine, drive, and control systems. It has a history of rapid technological developments that have been inspired by the hundreds of independent manufacturers and by the large car companies who competed to dominate the market in the early twentieth century.

The automobile was invented in the late 1800s, but it became a popular form of personal transport after World War I. The United States dominated the industry during this time, and Henry Ford innovated mass production techniques that soon became standard. Other major American automakers emerged, including GM and Chrysler.

Owning a car has many benefits. It allows you to be more flexible with your schedule, and it can save you a lot of money in the long run. Another advantage is safety. While it’s true that there are a lot of reckless drivers out there, if you’re careful and obey traffic rules, you should be safe on the road. Owning a car also allows you to save time that you would have spent on taking the bus or waiting for the next one to arrive. This time can be used for other things like completing work tasks or spending more time with your family.