Automobile

A survey conducted in 2005 revealed that there are over 600 million automobiles in the world, a testament to the fact that cars are an essential part of most people's lives; without them, many would be deprived of transportation to work, school or to perform many of the daily tasks that are an integral part of life.

The first recognized automotive design was that of Leonardo da Vinci. In the years after Leonardo's initial vehicular drawings of the 15th century, more thought had been given to the vehicle as a means of transportation. In the late 17th century, Isaac Newton developed plans for a steam powered carriage; however, it was not until the late 1800's that the the first steam-powered vehicle built by the French army captain Nicholas Cugnot was introduced.

In America, approximately 100 years later, Henry Ford put forth the concept of mass producing automobiles. The Model F Ford was produced thusly to create a large market, lower car prices and give widespread access to people who wanted or needed to have a car. Over time, Ford's mass production improved upon car variety while decreasing car costs. In the mid 1920's the Ford Model T--boasting a 4 cylinder engine and a windshield--sold for $290. Approximately half the cars purchased in the U.S during the next 20 years were Ford Motorcars.

Amid Ford's successful reign as the car manufacturer, General Motors developed the annual car model. GM also offered different types of cars for a range of prices, thus creating a hierarchy of car sales from a low costing automobile to a grander method of transportation.

As gas prices rose, imported car popularity simultaneously increased. Cars manufactured in Japan were thought to be mroe economically aware of gasoline consumption than the larger American cars. Popular Japanese auto makers such as Toyota and Nissan possessed new technology and a driven labor force to contend with American manufacturers.

Now, as automobile purchasers enter the 21st century, new advancements have been made for auto design and energy conservation. Development of fuel-efficient cars such as hybrid and electric automobiles has raised car prices. Despite this push, expensive automobile purchases are statistically higher than ever. A person's car is not only a reliable and fuel-efficient mode of transportation, it also figures as a status symbol and laudable investment.