Avtomobil

An avtomobil is a wheeled motor vehicle designed primarily for transporting people. In many languages the term refers to passenger cars, though it can also include light commercial vehicles. Modern automobils are typically powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors and feature a chassis, body, four wheels, and a drivetrain that provides propulsion, steering, and braking.

Origins of the automobile lie in the late 19th century, with competing approaches including steam, electric, and internal-combustion propulsion. The Benz Patent-Motorwagen of 1885–1886, built by Karl Benz, is commonly regarded as the first practical automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. Around the same period, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach advanced high-speed engines, and Henry Ford popularized mass production in the early 20th century, accelerating global adoption and reshaping economies and cities.

Today automobils encompass a wide range of configurations. Propulsion can be petrol, diesel, battery electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell. Key systems include the powertrain, transmission, suspension, braking, steering, and safety features such as airbags and assistive driving technologies. Electric mobility and lightweight design are increasingly emphasized to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

Environmental and policy considerations influence automotive development. Emissions standards, fuel-economy targets, urban planning, and infrastructure investments shape designs and consumer choices. The industry remains globally distributed, with major manufacturing regions, diverse market preferences, and ongoing innovation in autonomy, connectivity, and shared-mobility services.