Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Social impact of the invention of the automobile
Social impact of the invention of the automobile
Social impact of the invention of the automobile
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Social impact of the invention of the automobile
The automotive industry constitutes one of particular importance in today’s societies. Over the past 50 years, automobiles have allowed people to live and work in ways “that were unimaginable a century ago” (Hwang, 2014). Automotive vehicles are “fundamental to a functioning global economy and to the well-being of the world’s citizens” (Hwang, 2014) while it also plays a key role in the technology level of other industries and of society (Hwang, 2014). A large part of the world’s population is employed in related manufacturing and services; automotive vehicles are built using the goods of a number of industries, including steel, iron, aluminum, glass, plastics, glass, carpeting, textiles, computer chips, rubber and more. Given the importance …show more content…
Primarily they focused on safety, e.g. seat belts and padded dashboards and later on airbags, automotive “black boxes,” along with rigorous technical and environmental standards, such as requirements for emissions and fuel economy. But most recently, the automotive industry’s success has strained cities’ infrastructure and the environment, especially as urbanization has augmented (Gao et al., 2014). Hence, even more intensively than before, authorities are nowadays examining the entire automotive value chain (and beyond), with an eye towards externalities (Gao et al., 2014). The central aim is addressing the social impact of automobiles across their whole life cycle, rather than merely focusing on the automobiles themselves (Gao et al., 2014). Energy issues are of course centrally placed, largely focusing on technological innovation towards environment-friendly fuel (Hwang, 2014). In any case, automotive manufacturers should expect to remain under regulatory scrutiny, with future emissions standards forcing the whole industry soon to adopt some form of electrified vehicle (Chen, Fu & Wang, 2013; Gao et al., 2014). The above-mentioned developments will probably create a more challenging environment for automakers, in which the industry’s plans for growth could collide with regulatory priorities (Gao et al., 2014). 1.5. The role of
Andrew Simms, a policy director and head of the Climate Change Program for the New Economics Foundation in England, presents his argument about the impact SUV’s have on our roadways, and the air we breathe. “Would You Buy a Car That Looked like This? “. The title alone gives great insight on what the article is going to be about, (vehicles). “They clog the streets and litter the pages of weekend colour *supplements. Sport utility vehicles or SUV’s have become badges of middle class aspiration” (Simms 542). Simms opening statement not only gives his opinion on how SUV’s are the new trend, but he also paints a picture of what we see every day driving down our roadways. Simms also compares the tobacco industry’s gap between image and reality to that of SUV’s; stating that the cause and consequences of climate change resemble smoking and cancer. Simms comparison between SUV’s and cigarettes shows how dangerous he believes SUV’s are.
Increasing environmental awareness, coupled with a responsible American government and improved technology, have all contributed to the comeback of low-and zero-emissions vehicles in the US. It remains to be seen whether the automakers and oil companies will once again work to halt this progress, or embrace it as the technology of a more responsible future.
The Automotive, or electric car industry particularly, comprises all those companies and activities involved in the manufacture of electric motor vehicles (EV), including most components, such as engines, bodies and rechargeable batteries or another energy storage device. The industry’s principal products are passenger automobiles. Despite the fact that the first electric cars were produced in 1880s , the advances in internal combustion engines, especially the electric starter, soon diminished the relative advantages of the electric car and became the dominant design in the market. Due to this the EV was almost a forgotten industry staying in the early stage of development, conforming to less than 1% of the automotive stock
Automobiles play an essential role in American society. As if being the major means of transportation was not impressive enough, automotives can be seen on T.V., in movies, in magazines, and can sometimes be indicative of a person’s wealth and social status. On average, Americans drive nearly 40 miles and drive for just over 50 minutes driving per person per day (http://www.bts.gov). That means a person spends roughly one-sixteenth of a day driving. It would make sense, then, to make such an essential part of society as efficient, cost effective, and clean as possible. However, that is not the case. As the years have passed cars have actually begun to move away from efficiency. Hawken writes, “[The automobile] design process has made cars ever heavier, more complex, and usually costlier. These are all unmistakable signs that automaking has beco...
Did you know that the first gas automobile was created in 1886? Automobiles have given us transportation since then. Automobiles cause about 1.3 million car accidents per year.
According to George Bernard Shaw, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” (Shaw, p. 330). In order to truly make a change, one must change the minds of the people. America’s automobile industry has done a stellar job at this. In recent years fuel economy has surpassed make, body style, and “beeps and whistles” to become the number one factor people considered when purchasing a new car or truck (Choi). This shows that not only are vehicle manufacturers working to reduce vehicular pollution by improving how our cars are built, but even those that aren't directly involved with the manufacturing process are aiding the cause by choosing to purchase vehicles they know will produce fewer pollutants and consume less gas per miles driven. This discredits Jackson’s claims that Americans don’t care about the
on the automotive industry and with the population encouraging more fuel efficient and lower polluting transportation the future of the automotive industry will likely respond to those demands. The environment will likely become an increasing concern with the automotive industry. The effects of a change to a more environmentally friendly automotive industry are yet to be seen but I can assure you that all American households as well as the United States government and other countries will be watching.
The world of technology is ever changing and advancing. With the automotive industry in play technology is constantly surpassing what is available today with what can be done for tomorrow. Technology and the automotive industry go hand in hand with constant improvement to components of cars. Due to technology advancement there is competition within the car industry, especially between American car companies and European car companies. European car companies provide their buyers with innovative variety and revolutionary luxuries. European car technology is superior to American car technology due to their safety, entertainment, and luxury features.
...rther then the end of 2010, the introduction of the electric car is not far to come. With proper government regulations and consumer knowledge, adoptability of the electric car is possible. However, one can drastically differ in opinion as to why the required elements to support such a vehicle were not readily planned to facilitate such a change. The inadequacies draw wavering concerns for both consumers and business looking for the return of value and profit. The larger picture needs to be remembered in which oil is not a renewable resource and results in pollution and environmental hazard. Consumers and business must work together to overcome the roadblocks down the road and support each other in the introduction of and future of the electric car. Adjustments will have to be made on both sides to ensure success and minimize the society and economy disruptions.
Purchasing a car is one of the hugest or biggest accomplishments that a person can achieve on their own. However, what happens when that purchase turns out to also be the worst decision that was ever made? The purchase was a success and a goal was achieved, but the moment the key is turned and the engine is started the contribution to environmental harm begins. As the car is driven, the gasoline fumes that are released from the car contribute to the other many factors and pollutants that damage the environment. Not only is the purchase now a contributor to the depletion of clean air, but it could also play a part in the depletion of someone’s health. For example, asthma or bronchitis could develop in an adult or child as a direct result of breathing in noxious automotive fumes. Depending on where one lives, there could be strict regulations on air pollution. One must be accountable for any and all contributions made to the demise of what was once a healthy Earth. One must be accountable for his or her own carbon footprint. Some individuals have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprints and cause less harm to the environment by purchasing electric cars.
The automotive industry is one of the most important sectors of the economy for every country in the world. It involves a large number of corporations and institutions engaged in the manufacturing process of motor vehicles including designing, developing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling. It contributes to the global economic growth by generating a significant return and creating a ripple effect on supporting the supply chain as well as providing job opportunities for the skilled workers (ACEA, 2016).
Cars are the ultimate symbol of independence and individualism. They offer more than freedom. No other man made creation but car fulfills a man’s ego. Technology has been the evidence of how cars have evolved for about more than a century now. From a first car packing a single cylinder 958cc, 0.75hp engine to today’s most powerful 8000cc W16, 1300bhp Veyron. We live in such an engineering savvy era where even an increase of few grams in a vehicle’s weight means going back to the drawing board to get unerring dynamic performance. And for these exuberant reasons, mechanical engineering was a mere choice rather than a chance for me.
The automobile industry is a pillar of global economy. Globally automotive contributes roughly 3 % of all GDP output. It historically has contributed 3.0 – 3.5 % to the overall GDP in the US. The share is even higher in the emerging markets, with the rates in china and India at 7 % and rising. China produces the highest number of automobiles followed by US and Japan (oica.net, 2015). The industry supports direct employment of 9 million people to build 60 million vehicles and parts that go into them (oica.net, 2015). Many other industries such as steel, iron, glass, aluminium, textiles etc. are associated with the automotive industry and resulting in more than 50 million jobs owed to the auto
Melosi, Martin V. “The Automobile Shapes the City.” Automobiles in American Life and Society. 2004-2010. Web. 26 November 2013.
Competition for good things like public health, making the earth safe to live are positive aspects of competition, but global competition can also have a downside concerning the environment. This is true for the production of vehicles, as companies are coming with designs and new models with improved engines, but fuel consumption and the pollution of the air remains the same. In addition to the concerns about car manufacturing and driving, we should also consider the impact of construction areas where new houses are being built, with many truck with loads going across the country. This is an important contribution to pollution, which creates both air and noise pollution. Japan and Europe auto manufacturing based in US has recently involved activities to improve fuel efficiency of their vehicles. The European car makers planned to design a new engine and at same time to develop long distance vehicles. The autos made in Europe, for example Daimler Chrysler, recently came out with a new product which is a vehicle with 3 liters per hour, and also a diesel engine, which consumes 3.4 liters of fuel per 100