Article: Cars - An Icon of Modern Age Article Abstract
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Published: April 10, 2008
Animal powered vehicles began to be replaced with self propelled ones only after the coming of the steam engine. By the mid nineteenth century, the steam engine was replaced by the gasoline engine, which was smaller and easier to use. And by the early twentieth century, the motor car had replaced the horse drawn carriage, to become an icon of the modern age.
Motor cars became popular (as a mode of transport) only after the spread of roads and the use of lead acid batteries and pneumatic tyres. Two factors which helped to make the motor car affordable for the common man were the standardization of parts, and the assembly line system of production. The Ford T model was the first model built according to these speciications.
By the late twentieth century, many new technologies (such as the use of aluminium and plastics alloys, innovative designs and electronic systems) were developed for use in the automobile industry. It was also the era of compact cars such as the Volkswagon Beetle, the Citroen and the Austin Mini. The oil shock of the seventies put a premium on the development of fuel efficient vehicles by other manufacturers as well. It was also an era that saw the rise of Japan and Korea as major players in the field of automobiles.
What of the future of the automobile industry? The twenty first century has witnessed growing concerns about the atmospheric pollution caused by cars. New technologies – such as Electric and Fuel Cell – are being introduced, and Hybrid cars have become increasingly popular. Reduction in overall emissions has become a major goal, while designing new models. And a new era has seen the introduction of increasingly sophisticated computer systems and technology…
India has become both a consumer and producer of automobiles. Mahendra & Mahendra, Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors are the three largest domestic players. The automobile (and the ancilliary) industries have emerged as one of the drivers of India’s growing economy – both in the domestic and exports sectors.