Automobiles
An automobile is a wheeled transportation vehicle with an internal combustion engine, designed for use on roads. Its passenger capacity ranges from one to seven people. Usually, it has four wheels and is built principally for the transport of people rather than goods. The automobile is a vital part of the world’s economy, with more than three trillion miles (five trillion kilometers) driven by passenger cars each year.
It has changed the way we live, work and play. It has opened up the world, creating new opportunities for business and personal travel. It has also created new jobs, industries and services. These include manufacturing, engineering, maintenance and distribution services. It has also led to the development of better roads, and to changes in laws, regulations and society.
The modern automobile, which is an icon of freedom and progress, was conceived in the late 1800s. It developed rapidly in the 1920s with the invention of the assembly line, which reduced production costs. Automobiles are now sold worldwide in large numbers, with more than 1.3 billion registered in the world in 2005.
In 2022, BMW ranked first in road test scores, safety ratings and reliability and owner satisfaction surveys by Consumer Reports. In this segment of the industry, it was a tie between BMW and Subaru, with both models scoring high in road test evaluations of braking, handling, comfort, convenience and fuel efficiency. This segment of the industry is highly competitive, and demonstrates that you don’t need to spend a fortune for an excellent car.
