Automobiles are wheeled vehicles that are used for transportation. They have four wheels and can seat one to eight people. Their primary purpose is to move people from point A to point B. There are many different definitions of the word automobile, but the general idea is that it’s a vehicle that runs on the road and seats one to eight people.
Changing landscape
As consumers’ expectations change, automotive OEMs must respond quickly to meet these demands. Changing consumer habits and the new communication environment mean that automotive companies need to adapt their processes, systems, and infrastructure to stay competitive. New entrants, government legislation, and new technologies are changing the landscape of the automobile industry. In addition, consumers’ expectations are higher than ever.
As a result, traditional car makers are facing competition from mobility providers, tech giants, and specialty OEMs. At the same time, the pressure to reduce costs, improve fuel efficiency, and cut emissions is relentless. As a result, traditional players will feel the squeeze and likely see their market positions shift, possibly leading to consolidation.
Pollution
Automobiles are one of the biggest sources of air pollution. Various studies and government initiatives have been conducted to address air pollution problems. In the 1960s, California became one of the first states to impose mandatory emission standards for passenger cars. The Clean Air Act of 1970 mandated stringent CO, NOx, and HC reductions by 1975. The 1974 Energy and Environmental Coordination Act delayed these regulations and modified some of them. These measures helped to decrease air pollution, but they did not eliminate all the pollution caused by automobiles.
Air pollution posed by automobiles is a major problem that requires immediate action. The major air pollutants produced by automobiles are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburnt gasoline vapors. A recent report from the National Academy of Sciences and the Coordinating Committee on Air Quality Studies focuses on the impacts of vehicular emissions on human health and the environment.
Safety
Safety of automobiles is a multi-faceted subject. It covers design, construction, equipment, and regulation. Road traffic safety is another key component of automotive safety. Designing roadways for safety is a critical part of road traffic safety. In some areas, roadway design is as important as vehicle design. When done correctly, roadway design and equipment can help prevent accidents.
A vehicle’s side impact protection helps protect occupants during a side crash. However, front-seat occupants need more advanced protection and ways to prevent crashes. Technology like adaptive cruise control can prevent accidents by adjusting engine power and using the brakes until the driver regains control. It’s a technology that saves lives in an accident.
Design
The design of an automobile is an art in itself, and there are a number of factors that must be balanced in a design. Ideally, the automobile’s features should be able to satisfy as many criteria as possible. Although many differences exist among automobiles, there are some common features that must be present in every vehicle.
One of the most important factors in the design of an automobile is the amount of space it takes up. A vehicle’s size, weight, and aerodynamics all have to be considered. Various safety features must be considered and incorporated into the design.
Production
In 1950, the United States accounted for 80% of the world’s total car production. However, by 2010, that figure had dropped to just 4.6%. This means that the United States automobile manufacturing system is no longer competitive. The United States remains the largest automobile market, but it is one of replacement. The car industry is now a competitive global business, with companies competing to gain a share of the market.
The production of automobiles is one of the most spatially dispersed manufacturing activities in the world. It comprises a huge number of sub-processes, each of which is assembled at a different automobile assembly plant. These sub-processes include the major body components and major electronic systems. The automobile also features lighting systems and hydraulic systems.