Automobiles are vehicles that use an engine to move on the ground and can carry a driver and a few passengers. An automobile uses less fuel than a bus or lorry (truck).
The car revolutionized the world, changing society and culture as well as industry and technology. It gave people more freedom and the ability to travel long distances. This meant that cities could expand and people in rural areas had access to urban amenities. New industries developed to make the parts and fuel needed by cars, as did jobs in areas like repair and service.
People started buying cars in large numbers and companies set up factories to produce them. One of the most important developments was the assembly line, which allowed a worker to do one task and cars to pass through on conveyor belts. Other developments included electric ignition and self-starting engines, as well as four-wheel brakes.
Today, there are many different kinds of cars. The outer shell is called a body and it can be made of steel, fiberglass or strong plastics. The interior has seats and a control system to help the driver operate the vehicle. It also has pedals to make it go and stop, and a steering wheel to guide where the vehicle goes.
Some cars have more than one seat and can carry up to eight or nine people. These are called limousines or minivans. In some countries, passengers must fasten their seat belts and children ride in child seats.