motorcar

The motorcar, also known as an automobile or car, is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation. Most definitions of motorcar state that they are designed to run primarily on roads, have seating for one to eight people, have four wheels, and are constructed principally for the transport of people rather than goods.

The first self-propelled, steam-powered vehicles were invented in the late 18th century. The first gasoline-powered motorcar is widely credited to Karl Benz in 1886. Benz's Patent-Motorwagen is considered the first true automobile. The development of the internal combustion engine in the late 19th century was a key factor in the widespread adoption of the motorcar.

Early motorcars were expensive and unreliable, but technological advancements quickly improved their performance and affordability. The mass production techniques pioneered by Henry Ford with the Model T in the early 20th century made motorcars accessible to a much larger population. This led to significant societal changes, including the growth of suburbs and increased personal mobility.

Motorcars are powered by a variety of engines, most commonly internal combustion engines that burn gasoline or diesel fuel. Electric motorcars, powered by batteries, are also gaining popularity due to environmental concerns and technological improvements. Motorcars have had a profound impact on modern society, revolutionizing transportation, influencing urban planning, and shaping global economies. They remain a primary mode of personal transport for billions worldwide.