Since the early 15th century man has always been fascinated by speed and velocity, and since then there has always been a quest to achieve a higher level of acceleration. This need naturally led to people inventing automobiles to match their thirst for speed and acceleration. Many innovations and designs were developed over the years, and while some cars are designed for luxury, others are designed more for their practical functionality. Despite this, it always boils down to one point: cars have served mankind a great up to the present time, and advancements continue to be made in the industry.As of 2002, manufactured cars reached a total of 590 million worldwide with a ratio of 1:11 automobile for every eleven people. Aside from the functionality of the automobile, it gets people to places and moves the economy, and design is the primary factor that draws people into buying one. It can become a status symbol in life, and the more expensive and stunning looking your car, the more wealth you have. It’s almost like wearing and flashing your diamond ring into the face of your neighbor for to drool over and admire.
Car designs are typically handled by a group of designers who closely work with engineers. Selecting the best materials for exterior and interior design is extremely important, and stylists will coordinate with each other in their own given tasks to make sure the design is appealing and functional to consumers. The annual car model changes dates back to 1924, when the American national automobile market had experienced an oversupply of cars. General Motors devised a scheme in which a yearly car model design change was offered to car owners for replacing their “old” cars with the newer models. And since then the automotive industry has been motivated by the consumer’s expectation as to what should be more appealing to them rather than its engineering improvements.
Modern road vehicles use gasoline, also known as petrol or diesel. The internal combustion engine produces billows of smoke when an automobile is propelled, thereby causing pollution. Most of these fuels contain lead and carbon monoxide which is harmful to humans in when they are exposed to excessive amounts. Every technology has its own down side, but it did not stop man from inventing and patronizing automobiles for its greater service to the world.
Accidents involving automobiles are as old as the cars itself. World-wide accident related deaths are estimated at about 1.2 million every year. Popular personalities and celebrities are often involved in automobile accidents and there are too many names to mention. Automobiles up to this age and time still have many problems with regards to their safety dependability. The primary factor in most accidents is the driver. Humans make mistakes, calculations differ in a given situation, and drunk drivers behind the wheel tend to be aggressive and non-defensive drivers, thus increasing their chances of getting into an accident. Manufacturers can only do so much, maintaining the reliability of the cars and employing the best technology possible. Air bags have greatly evolve into a more reliable life-saving feature, and brakes increase its dependability by reducing the flammability of fuel systems. Even the engine compartments are now more ventilated at the bottom so that fuel vapors can be processed in a more efficient manner. Governments have even passed bills about buckling up to save lives. Motor companies spend hefty amounts of money for consumer’s safety through research and trials, and this has greatly improved the safety of automobiles, and the topic automotive.