If you are fascinated by automobiles, you should know the history of this industry. The first cars were invented in the 1830s by Nikolaus Otto and Karl Benz, and production of cars in the USA began in the 1890s. Henry Ford pioneered assembly line production where workers do only one task at a time while parts pass on a conveyor belt. By 1927, the Ford Motor Company produced 15 million cars. Today, we know more about the history of automobiles than ever before.
Auto industry
The Automobile industry is in the process of restructuring many aspects of its business model to become more customer-oriented. In the past, the industry has relied on selling and manufacturing, rather than delivering a service. As a result, the industry has focused on planning new models and selling them, while dealers are less likely to share information. But with the growing importance of customer satisfaction, the Automobile industry is making major strides towards this goal.
Development of internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is the beating heart of nearly all vehicles. It is the successor of the external and steam engines, and is more efficient than their predecessors. During the twentieth century, the internal combustion engine became the standard for most cars. Today, more than 250 million automobiles run on internal combustion engines. These engines can be run on gasoline, diesel, alternative fuels, or natural gas. They are also compatible with hybrid electric powertrains and plug-in hybrid electric systems, which can greatly extend a vehicle’s range.
Seat belts
The seat belt is an essential safety device in automobiles. During an accident, a seat belt can prevent serious injuries. In 1946, C. Hunter Shelden, a neurosurgeon and physician at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, California, invented a retractable seat belt. Inspired by the high number of head injuries he saw in the emergency room, Dr. Shelden began research on the issue, including testing out several primitive seat belt designs.
Fuel system
Modern fuel systems are highly sophisticated, controlled by the computer in the vehicle. They’ve helped automobiles achieve great fuel economy, reduced emissions, and improved engine performance. They also require relatively little maintenance. To keep them working well, make sure you use the recommended fuel and clean the fuel filler cap regularly. Also, you should clean the fuel injection system every three years or 45,000 miles. Here are some common fuel system problems and how to fix them.
Drivetrain
When it comes to buying a car, you need to know the terminology for the powertrain and drivetrain for automobiles. These terms have different meanings in the automotive industry, and understanding them can help you choose the car that suits your needs. The powertrain refers to the group of parts in a car that converts energy and produces motion. It also refers to the parts that consume energy, like the clutch cylinders.
Alternative power systems
Most automobiles on the road today are powered by internal combustion engines that use gasoline or diesel as fuel. These types of fuels are known to cause air pollution, climate change, and global warming. The price of oil and tighter environmental laws are driving research on alternative power systems for automobiles. Alternative power systems for automobiles include fuel cells, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in electric vehicles. There are even hydrogen vehicles on the market.