voiture

Voiture is a road motor vehicle designed primarily to transport people or goods. In French, the term most commonly denotes a passenger car, but it can also refer to any motor vehicle or a historical carriage.

Development of the modern voiture began in the late 19th century with the invention of practical internal combustion engines and automobile designs. Pioneers such as Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler in Germany built some of the first true automobiles. The introduction of mass production, notably by Henry Ford in the United States with the Model T in 1908, accelerated widespread automobile ownership and shaped global mobility.

Today, voitures come in a range of body styles, including sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, convertibles, SUVs, and vans. They are powered by internal combustion engines using gasoline or diesel, electric motors in battery electric vehicles, or hybrid configurations. Modern cars feature a variety of technologies, including anti-lock braking systems, stability control, airbags, and increasingly advanced driver assistance systems and connected infotainment.

Environmental and safety considerations drive regulation and innovation. Emissions standards, fuel efficiency targets, and incentives for electric powertrains influence design and market choices. The voiture remains a central element of transport networks, with ongoing developments in autonomy, electrification, and shared mobility shaping its future.