Automobiles are vehicles that are designed to carry people and goods. They are usually propelled by an internal-combustion engine using a volatile fuel. Modern automobiles are complex technical systems that contain thousands of subsystems with specific design functions. These systems include the chassis, engine, drivetrain, and control and safety systems. They are the result of new technologies such as electronic computers, high-strength plastics, and new alloys of steel and nonferrous metals.

The automobile is an icon of both the promise and the pitfalls of modern life. Its invention changed the world by providing fast, convenient transportation that enabled people to commute long distances to work and live in cities where jobs were plentiful. It also allowed them to visit friends and relatives living far away. Without access to a car, many of these activities would be impossible or at least highly inconvenient.

While having a car has numerous benefits, it can have negative consequences, including pollution and draining the world’s oil reserves. In addition, it is expensive to purchase, maintain, and operate.

Most modern cars burn gasoline, which releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The amount of emissions can be reduced by using less gasoline or switching to a more environmentally friendly fuel. Cars are also an important part of the global economy, and they are used for a wide range of commercial purposes, such as hauling containers from ports and transporting cargo between warehouses.