Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Cars” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “history of cars” and its relation with “its evolution of this necessary machine”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “how cars existed and grew to how we know them” and tries to gauge its effect on “the contribution cars have made in the modern era of constant growth, development and escalation of globalization today”.

History of Cars

Introduction

What if I were a car? Sounds peachy doesn't it. Well that is exactly how things go about whenever and wherever a shiny, glistening transportation vehicle passes by and makes you want to a deep breath and go to it. These days, or let's say every day, new and improved versions and levels of this beautiful hybrid of art and science are found and seen on the streets, in the hood, smooth as satin silk, like owning an expensive stallion.

A little sneak peak on history

The basic design of the automobile was standardized by 1908, when the Ford Motor Company began production of the Model T. A metal frame served as the main structural member that supported the power train and body. The frame was supported through springs by four wheels and tires. The engine was mounted at the front of the vehicle and transmitted power to the two rear wheels. The body was open, providing little protection from the weather.

By the early 1930s, most automobiles had a closed body made of stamped steel parts that were welded together before attachment to the frame. Improved versions of the front-engine rear-wheel-drive power train dominated automotive production into the 1970s. Until then, this basic configuration was never seriously challenged, although some vehicles had either front-engine front-wheel drive or rear-engine rear-wheel drive (Albers, Koch & Ruff, pp. 49).

In the United States, the change from rear drive to front drive was largely necessitated by three acts passed by Congress which established new laws covering automotive air pollution, automotive safety, and automotive fuel economy. The solutions to problems of automotive air pollution and safety were often add-on devices that allowed the conventional automobile to be manufactured in compliance with the new regulations. However, the additional weight and action of some of these devices reduced fuel economy.

When compliance with fuel-economy standards also became a design objective, automotive stylists and engineers began redesigning the car by reducing vehicle weight, downsizing new models, using smaller engines, and changing to lighter, stronger materials. The result was an evolutionary redesign that allowed continuing production while the required new parts and vehicles were developed and phased into each manufacturer's passenger-car fleet.

Casualties with Cars

Historically, the design and manufacture of automotive vehicles in the United States was an unregulated industry. In 1955, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was instructed to begin a study of air pollution. By 1962, the automobile engine had been identified as the source of more than 40% of airborne pollutants, making the automobile the largest single contributor to ...