Personbilen

Personbilen, or the passenger car, is a road motor vehicle designed primarily to transport people rather than goods. It typically accommodates a driver and several passengers, with limited cargo space. It contrasts with goods vehicles, buses used for transit, and specialized vehicles configured for commercial use.

Most personbiler use unibody construction and are powered by internal combustion engines, though electrified variants—hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric—are increasingly common. Common body styles include sedan, hatchback, station wagon (estate), coupe, and convertible, as well as sport utility vehicles and minivans. Size categories range from compact to mid-size to full-size. Modern cars emphasize safety and efficiency, with features such as airbags, seat belts, anti-lock braking systems, stability control, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

Regulatory frameworks classify passenger cars under specific vehicle categories; in the European Union, passenger cars fall under M1. Cars must meet emissions, safety, and noise standards, and typically require periodic inspections and vehicle taxes. Licensing for drivers and the registration of vehicles vary by jurisdiction. The term personbil is used in several Nordic languages to designate this type of vehicle.

History and usage: the passenger car emerged in the late 19th century and evolved through mass production to become the dominant form of personal transport in many regions. Today, it serves as the principal means of everyday mobility, while trends such as car sharing and electrification influence design, ownership models, and urban planning.