Automobiles
Automobiles are a major mode of transportation used in the world. The automobile has brought many benefits to society, including increased freedom and self reliance for most people. The history of the automobile dates back to Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century, and Isaac Newton a few centuries later. In the 1800s, French engineer Cugnot built the first steam-powered vehicle and German inventor Gottlieb Daimler developed the internal combustion engine. The American Henry Ford innovated mass production and the assembly line, and GM, Ford and Chrysler emerged as the largest auto manufacturers.
The United States had a far larger population and a vast hinterland to cover than European countries, which encouraged great demand for cars. The absence of tariff barriers on raw materials also encouraged large-scale production. The United States also had a long tradition of manufacturing and had the best supply of cheap labor and raw materials of any country in the world.
After World War II, the automobile industry shifted to producing vehicles and war materiel. Manufacturers reduced their options for consumers and focused on bringing down the cost of production. Eventually, the market became saturated with automobiles. Innovation slowed to a crawl and, in the 1960s, public concern over nonfunctional styling, pollution and energy consumption led to government regulation of automobiles. In the 1970s, manufacturers faced the challenge of lowering costs and improving performance, which they did through the use of plastics and lightweight materials such as aluminum and steel.