In this article, we’ll discuss the history of the automobile and how it developed, how it impacted the environment, and how we can make them more environmentally friendly. We’ll also discuss the development and regulation of the automobile industry and its impact on the environment. For a better understanding of the automobile, check out our previous articles. Listed below are some important facts about the history of automobiles. Listed below are the key developments in automobiles since the Industrial Revolution.
Auto industry
The Automobile industry encompasses a wide variety of organizations involved in the marketing, manufacturing and selling of motor vehicles. It does not include fuel filling stations or automobile service shops, but does include original equipment manufacturers. Automobile manufacturers include car, light truck and heavy equipment manufacturers, as well as wholesalers, distributors and importers. In order to remain competitive, automakers must embrace technological advancements. To increase the productivity of their businesses, automotive companies must align their suppliers and operations with global standards.
Development
The first automobiles were made in the 1880s. This era saw the development of saloon/sedan type bodies with boot, and they started to dominate car sales. The headlights gradually became integrated into the body of the car. The ponton style was another major design change after WWII, which eliminated running boards and incorporated fenders into the body. By the end of the century, mass production began. During this time, new innovations were made in many areas of automotive design.
Regulations
In Japan, the government has enforced stricter regulations on the emissions of gasoline and diesel automobiles over the years. These regulations began in 1966 and have continued to tighten over time. Figure 2.2.3 shows the time-dependent regulations on NOx emissions for diesel automobiles that weigh more than three tons. The horizontal axis shows the ratio of the mass of NOx emissions to the mass of output energy. The 2005 regulation is known as the New Long-Term Regulation, while the Post-New Long-Term Regulation came into effect in 2009.
Impact on environment
The impact of automobiles on the environment has many facets. While air pollution from automobile exhaust is well-known, another significant environmental impact is traffic noise. While automobiles did not create this noise pollution in their infancy, they did add to urban noise. In the beginning, the rubber tires of motor vehicles were celebrated by street cleaners as a godsend for inner-city traffic. Today, however, many people complain about traffic noise because of the increasing number of cars in the city.
Safety
While the safety of automobiles has been the subject of much debate, there have been some notable breakthroughs. Airbags and seat belts have improved the safety of cars and have been proven to save lives. Unfortunately, the automobile industry continues to ignore the evidence and refuse to introduce new, safer cars. In order to combat the growing dangers, legislators have been looking for ways to improve the safety of automobiles. Read on to learn how the new safety standards are being implemented.
