2. The Automobile in America

The Automobile Pioneers

The journey of the automobile began with early experiments in steam-powered vehicles. The development of the gasoline-powered internal-combustion engine, however, marked a significant leap forward, first pioneered by German engineers Karl Benz (1885) and Gottlieb Daimler (1886). In the United States, Henry Ford's establishment of the Ford Motor Co. in 1903, coupled with the production of the affordable Model T in 1908 and the introduction of assembly-line manufacturing techniques, cemented U.S. leadership in automobile production.

Ford's principal competitor, General Motors, rose to become the world’s largest automobile manufacturer in the 1920s, and U.S. dominance continued until the 1970s. However, by that time, increasing global competition, particularly from Japanese and German automakers, began to challenge the U.S. market share.

Today

Environmental concerns about pollution from gasoline engines have spurred the development of electric vehicles (EVs), which run on electricity stored in rechargeable batteries, and natural gas-powered vehicles. EVs have evolved significantly, offering longer ranges and faster charging times, though their widespread adoption has been limited by factors such as battery technology and charging infrastructure. However, electric vehicles are increasingly becoming more common, with many metropolitan areas adopting them at a higher rate. In addition to fully electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles that combine both gasoline and electric power offer a more flexible solution, blending fuel efficiency with reduced emissions.

The rise of electric vehicles is part of a broader shift in the automobile industry toward sustainability and cleaner energy. Governments and manufacturers alike are making strides toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and the shift to electric power represents one of the most significant transformations in the automotive industry in decades.

Economic and Health Impacts

The automobile has had profound economic and health impacts over the years, including:

• The creation of an industry that employs millions of people worldwide.
• The development of new technologies and industries to support and supply the automobile industry, such as tire manufacturing, auto parts, and energy infrastructure.
• A significant financial cost due to vehicle-related injuries and property damage.
• Increased air pollution, especially from gasoline-powered vehicles, which has led to greater concerns over public health and environmental sustainability.

Future Changes in Automobile Technology

The future of the automobile will likely continue to be shaped by technological advancements, including:

• Increased fuel efficiency, which may continue to evolve with the growth of electric and hybrid vehicle technologies, as well as improved internal combustion engines in traditional vehicles.
• Ongoing improvements in safety through both vehicle engineering and better-designed road infrastructure.
• The development of advanced controls and instrumentation, many of which will contribute to safety and the overall driving experience, including features like autonomous driving technology, improved crash avoidance systems, and smarter vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

As the automobile industry moves into the future, the ongoing push for sustainability and innovation promises to shape the way we drive and interact with transportation on a global scale.

The American automobile industry began modestly in 1896, when the Duryea Motor Wagon Company of Springfield, Massachusetts sold 13 identical gasoline-powered vehicles. The company would only last three years, however, brothers Charles and Frank Duryea became the first Americans to attempt to build and sell automobiles at a profit. This started the commercial period of the Automobile industry.

The first production Model T Ford was assembled at the Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit on October 1, 1908. Over the next 19 years, Ford would build 15 million automobiles with the Model "T" engine, the longest run of any single model of car, except for the Volkswagen Beetle. From 1908 to 1927, the Model T would endure with little change in its design. Henry Ford has succeeded in his quest to build a car for the masses.

Now that the masses had their vehicles, they enjoyed them to the fullest. In 1920, Norman Rockwell painted a Saturday Evening Post cover, showing a family outing that turns into a race.

By the late 1920's, the auto dealership became popular, and installment plans were available.