During the early twentieth century, the automotive industry was dominated by a few companies. These companies became known as the “Big Three”: Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. In 1939, these companies held 90 percent of the U.S. market. They also organized public relations campaigns and lobbied against safety regulation.
A modern automobile is a complex technical system. It has thousands of component parts. They include a chassis, engine, drivetrain, body, and emission-control systems. They are manufactured by highly skilled and trained workers, and employ precise robotics.
In 2006, new motorcycles in the United States were limited to 12.0 grams of carbon monoxide per km. The European Union imposed stricter limits on hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
The automobile is the first form of transportation to use an internal combustion engine. It was invented in the 1880s, and the first production-model motorcycle appeared in the US in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1898.
The automotive industry boomed after World War II. In the United States, a tradition of manufacturing helped lower auto prices and make them more affordable to middle-class families.
The modern automobile is the result of advances in technology and safety legislation. It has become the most common form of transportation in society. Moreover, it is a major cause of air pollution.
The Stout Scarab was a precursor to the minivan. It was designed by William Bushnell Stout and his engineering firm. It featured a rear engine and a beetle-like shape. It was intended to carry passengers and cargo.