The history of the motor car or automobile can be traced way back to when vehicles were first introduced to the market in the form of carriages and bikes. However, the evolution of time played a major role in the automotive industry and today has served to transform autos into road vehicles with the ability to move independently. Depending on its size, typical vehicles can be described as cars with four wheels that provide a means of transportation for up to seven people.
When we look back at the history of cars, the name Carl Benz pops up frequently, as he is accredited as the first person to build an actual car back in the 1880’s. The automobile that Benz initially built had three wheels and was powered by a gasoline driven engine. In addition to Benz, there were several other inventors during that time who were also successful in creating motor vehicles. One example is Gottlieb Daimler, who was responsible for making the first motorbike back in 1885. However, history tells us that Carl Benz is the man who is synonymous with the invention of the first “modern car.”
Buying Cars in Today’s Automotive Market
Fast forwarding to today’s automotive industry, it’s important to select a vehicle that fits your individual needs when shopping around for the right car. Some of the most common types of cars which exist in the market today include the following:
- SUV’s
- Station Wagons
- 4-door Sedans
- 2-door Coupes
- Convertibles
Sport Utility Vehicles or SUV’s have been increasingly gaining in popularity among car shoppers. Most people purchase SUV’s for the purpose of being able to ride on rough grounds. Similar to Vans, SUV’s are also often used as big family cars and can really be useful for going on long trips or vacations with large groups.
Some important factors you might want to take into consideration before deciding to purchase an SUV include things such as ease of use and insurance costs. Generally speaking, SUV’s are not as easy to maneuver in comparison to other types of cars. Additionally, insurance rates also tend to be somewhat higher, however obtaining lower quotes is not entirely impossible due to the competitive nature of the automotive industry.
For larger families that enjoy packing up and heading to vacation destinations by way of driving, the purchase of a station wagon is another option worth considering. There are several different advantages that go along with station wagons. For one thing, they offer a great deal of stability; provide drivers with good gas mileage and come with affordable insurance rates. Many types of station wagons also have all-wheel drive and naturally offer lots of extra space for storage usage.
Most people who are in the market to buy a new automobile tend to opt for a 4-door sedan due to the security it provides. Features such as enclosed trunk space and easy entry access for rear-seat passengers make 4-door sedans the perfect choice for any new car buyer. You can also find a different variety of 4-door sedans including compact models as well as luxury sedans.
For people who are single or married with no children, 2-door coupes may be an appealing vehicle choice. These types of cars have rear seats which you can gain entry into by using the front doors. They also normally come with hatchbacks rather than trunks.
Convertibles, which are commonly referred to as sports cars, only have two seats but are infamous for their superior handling and high-performance engines. While convertibles are fun, sporty and stylish cars, they are not the most practical type of automobile to purchase if you don’t live in a place that enjoys seasonally good weather.
The Future of Automobiles
When it comes to the future of automobiles, many car manufacturers have evolved and are now moving towards hybrid and hydrogen vehicles. Most hybrid cars utilize a combination of technologies, including combustion engines, electric motors, gasoline and batteries. Hybrid vehicles are typically battery operated, however once the batter dies, the gasoline kicks in and takes its place.
Therefore, the age old adage “history repeats itself” can also be applied to the automotive industry. However it can also be said that the automobile industry has come a long way since its “carriage” days, and now offers consumers a wider array of different models, features, and engines to choose from.