Carros

Carros, also known as cars, are motor vehicles designed for road use, typically with four wheels and an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. They are built for passenger transport but also serve cargo and commercial roles. The term 'carro' is primarily used in Portuguese; in Spanish, the equivalent term varies by region (carro, coche, automóvil).

Historically, the mass manufacture of cars began in the early 20th century with innovations such as the moving assembly line introduced by Henry Ford, enabling affordable ownership. Through the 20th century, design evolved from simple two- and four-seat frames to a wide range of body styles including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, coupes, and pickups. Advances in safety, performance, and efficiency followed, with developments like independent suspensions, disc brakes, turbocharging, and, more recently, electrification and advanced driver assistance systems.

Current cars are powered by internal combustion engines running on gasoline or diesel, electric motors in battery electric vehicles, or plug-in hybrids. The drivetrain and transmission types vary, including manual, automatic, CVT, and dual-clutch systems. Key components include the chassis, body, powertrain, suspension, steering, braking, and electronics. Modern cars integrate safety features such as airbags, ABS, ESC, and autonomous emergency braking, and are subject to regulatory standards on emissions, safety, and fuel economy.

Markets are dominated by global manufacturers and a network of suppliers; global sales patterns shift toward electrification, with governments promoting emission reductions and charging infrastructure. Environmental concerns, lifecycle emissions, and efficiency drive research into batteries, materials, and recycling, while trends such as connected cars, autonomous driving, and mobility services shape the future of the automobile sector.