An automobile is a type of vehicle that can be used for transporting people and goods. It is a complex technical system that employs subsystems with specific design functions. Some of these subsystems include the body, chassis, engine, drivetrain, control systems and safety systems.

Automobiles can be made from any material, though most are constructed from steel or aluminum. They can be two-wheelers (scooters, motorcycles) or four-wheelers (cars, trucks).

The basic building blocks of an automobile can be traced back several hundred years. Previously, most automobiles were powered by steam or electricity. These were slow and heavy, but they eventually gave way to the internal combustion engine.

There are many different types of engines, with the most common being gasoline, diesel and kerosene. When the fuel is exploded in a cylinder, it pushes down on a piston that turns the wheels of the vehicle. The fuel may be pumped through a fuel pump or injected directly into the cylinder.

Modern cars are made of a variety of materials, including metals, plastics and composites. They are usually made to withstand weather conditions and are designed with high levels of safety in mind.

Cars are also used in emergency situations, such as fires and floods. In these cases, they can help save lives by reaching the people in need as quickly and safely as possible.

In addition, automobiles can be a great source of transportation for people who may have mobility issues or who want to travel long distances. For example, many elderly individuals and people with disabilities are able to use vehicles to travel to work or to the doctor’s office.

The automotive industry is a large global enterprise, with a major share of production in the United States. It includes a number of leading automobile manufacturers, such as Volkswagen, Toyota and Honda.

Most automobiles are four-wheeled, but there are also some models that have only two wheels. These are often called “buggies” or “scooties.”

A motor is used to send the energy that makes the automobile move to its wheels, whether it is chemical in the form of gasoline or electrical in the form of a battery. The power that the motor can send to the wheels is measured in kilowatts or horsepower.

There are many types of cars and buses. The largest group of cars is passenger vehicles, which transport people and their belongings.

Special purpose cars are also available, including ambulances, fire engines and patrol cars. These are used in emergencies and to help people get to medical care or other important destinations.

The automobile industry is a major employer worldwide, with an estimated 12.5 million workers in the United States alone. The industry has helped to transform the social and economic landscape of most countries, as it brought new services and amenities to urban areas and facilitated the development of rural communities.

In the 20th century, the automobile industry began to change as it adapted to changing environmental regulations and growing fuel prices. The Ford Motor Company, in particular, led the charge, greatly advancing automobile technology by employing assembly-line techniques to streamline production processes. This produced a moderately priced vehicle that rapidly outpaced its competitors.