汽车发展史_英语

by Arthur D. Delagrange, Massachusetts Beta ’64F ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY had to be cho-sen to represent twentieth-century America, a likely candidate would be the automobile or, more precisely, the presence of a car in every household,on the average. (There are more cars than licenseddrivers.) The microcomputer is certainly impressive, but every new car has at least one of these plus a host of other highly-developed parts. The machines that produce these cars, nearly au-tomatically, are marvels in themselves. If engineering is science in quan-tity, then the au-tomobile is an engineering mas-terpiece. Not only is auto-mak-ing the biggest industry in the U.S., it supports a number of other major industries,e.g., steel.S o c i o l o g i -cally, few things define the American cul-ture better. Oneof my earliest memories from childhood was our car. I wasimpressed that you just got in, turned the key, pumped the accelerator, pulled out the choke, pushed a button, and it started—if the weather were not too cold—and it went nearly anywhere you wanted to go. I was told our car would go clear across the country, and when I was 10 we went! I was told a car was a precious thing (it was World War II),and I should be thankful we had one, which I was.Today’s young people see the car pretty much as a given.You turn the key and it goes; if it doesn’t, you pick up the cell phone and call for another. Of course, we engineers re-alize there is really much more to it. There was a lot of de-velopment to get to this point, and a lot of things have to work correctly to drive down the road safely and reliably.Tales of traveling by horse and buggy seem further removed from today’s life than Star Trek is in the future. Actually,this is probably correct, because it took not just one cen-tury, but more than two, to reach this point.The development of the modern automobile is a micro-cosm of the development of modern engineering. The story is recounted here, both for those young people who would like to know how we went about achieving personal land rockets that sit in massive traffic jams, and for the old-tim-ers who long for the good-old days when cars wouldn’t start in cold weather, boiled over in hot weather, and wouldn’t stop in wet weather.Origins:T he 1700sThe history of the automobile can be conveniently divided into three periods: the 19th century (and earlier!) and the first and last halves of the 20th century. That break may be taken at WWII as civilian car production ceased during the war and resumed immediately afterward—pre-war models.The first section is short. Steam-powered vehicles were demonstrated in the latter half of the 18th century, the first practical application being traction engines (tractors) avail-able in the 1770s. Some steam-powered horseless carriages were used in the 1800s. They were large, and there were few roads adequate for them. Instead, steam was mostly applied to boats and locomotives where large size and heavy weight were partly an advantage.Beginnings:Cars & T rafficA major, if not overriding, factor in the advent of the auto-mobile (literally, moving by itself) was the invention of the internal-combustion (IC) engine (as opposed to steam, where combustion takes place outside the cylinder). Electric was also a competitor, but the required batteries were expensive,short-lived, heavy, and of limited capacity. In this applica-tion, nothing could match the performance of the IC engine.Steam-powered “traction engines” (tractors)such as this were available in the 1770s.(Henry Ford Museum)1896Duryea:one of 13similar cars from the first real auto factory.(Henry Ford Museum)iThere is some argument, but the first car is generally credited to Benz in Germany. In 1885, he designed, as an integral unit, a 3/4 hp, 8mph three-wheeler (it still exists) with a surprising number of features still used, including a four-stroke gasoline engine with electric ignition and a differential. The first automobile factory likely belonged to the Duryea Brothers in Massachusetts, who produced 13 similar cars in 1896.By 1900 there were more than 100 brands. Early vehicles were mostly built one-at-a-time, sometimes entirely by the builder, and were often to a customer’s specifications. This made them very expensive, but it was understood they were for the rich. As quantities increased, sec-tions were farmed out, particularly the coachwork, which was often of parlor quality. When Ransom E. Olds suffered a fire in his factory, he contracted out nearly everything and became basically a designer/as-sembler. Some of Ford’s early cars used almost entirely parts made by the Dodge brothers, who did not sell a car of their own—yet.The early twentieth century was dotted with the names of pioneers,some becoming rich from cars that bore their names, some winding up broke, and several doing both: Chevrolet, Ransom E. Olds (Oldsmobile and REO), Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Cord, Duesenberg, Firestone, Benz,Bugatti, Buick, Daimler, Renault, Packard, Studebaker, Dunlop,Michelin, Mitsubishi, Bentley, Citroen, Peugeot, Rolls, and Royce. Some attempts were made to produce an inexpensive car, notably by Olds,but it was Henry Ford who succeeded beyond anyone’s imagination. He made some decisions that revolutionized the industry (although some of these were apparently accidental), and he made some bad decisions, too.He felt it wrong to charge too much for a car, and hit a more favorable spot on the s u p p l y /d e -mand curve.The product of many buy-ers times a low price turned out to be much more than a few buyers times a high price.Ford was also persuaded by his partner that workersshould be treated and paid better.They reduced the workday from nine hours to eight and nearly dou-bling the prevailing wage rate. This gave Ford the pick of the work force and worker loyalty, at least for a while. He set a speed record, 91 or 100 mph, depending on the account, personally driving a car of his own design at considerable risk. He was also responsible for the first re-corded auto accident, running his first car over a pedestrian, who went on his way once the spindly car was lifted off him.Ford’s crowning achievement was the Model T in 1908. To achieve his goals, he had to cut costs and improve efficiency. The key was an assembly line producing identical cars in huge quantities. Ford didn’t invent assembly line mass production, but he mastered it. He may have invented the moving assembly line, which produced a “steady stream of cars flowing forth” from the factory. Everything was carefully engi-neered to support the process. Parts suppliers, eager to be chosen for the huge quantities used, were required to ship the parts in boxes made with certain-size boards with certain-size holes drilled in specific places.These re-appeared in the cars as floorboards (hence the name). The T was a front-engine, rear-drive layout. It used a water-cooled four-cycleengine and would exceed 40 mph. The transmission used epicyclic (plan1908 Model T Ford: the start of major mass production. (Henry Ford Museum)FORD FLATHEAD V-8In 1932 Ford advanced from a four-cylinder engine directly to a V-8. The result established the Ford name for performance, but it was almost a disaster. Being frugal, Ford did not want to add an oil pump but wanted to stay with splash lubrication. His engineers finally persuaded him that the power achieveddestroyed the engine without it.Ford was also overly optimistic as to making an integral V-8block with the casting tech-niques of the day, and many defective blocks had holes welded in order to get enough engines built.The engine clearly reflected its lineage; the two sides were nearly independent: twin water pumps had twin hoses from the radiator, which had twin return hoses from the heads. Thedistributor had twin caps for the two sides. The carburetor had two barrels, each pretty much feeding its side. Oddly, it had but a single exhaust, a tortuous design where the two manifolds were connected together and only one was connected to the exhaust pipe.The Chevrolet straight-6 was a nicer design, theoretically, being inherently balanced, whereas the V-8 was not. But this was of little consolation when one was literally left in the dust . Perfor-mance was especially exciting because Ford resisted changing from mechanical brakes to hydraulic. The Ford flathead V-8was the choice of hot rodders for decades, and performance parts are still made for it today!etary) gears, which would be replaced later, only to re-appear in auto-matic transmissions.But the production line had its downside. Workers, installing the same part hour after hour as the line moved faster and faster, began to envy the freedom and individuality of the farmer, even at more work for less pay. It was called dehumanizing , certainly true in the sense that Ford sought to eliminate human error. Ironically, the first big labor demon-stration in the industry was directed at Ford, who had originally im-proved the worker’s lot. He responded with force against the union, which quickly learned the tactic. He was ready to close his plant rather than admit a union, until his wife persuaded him otherwise.Ford reduced the price of the Model T several times, finally down to $260. The ubiquitous T sold 15,000,000 cars in 20 years, more than any other model until the Volkswagen Beetle broke the record in the 1990s,but only after a production run of more than half a century. In some countries, and indeed parts of the U.S.A., Ford became synonymous for car . Ford tried to enjoy the success too long. He believed that if the car did the job, there was no reason to change it. Meanwhile, other makers were offering improved models. Sloan of General Motors (GM) created the concept of regularly introducing new models, planned obsolescence .But Ford came up with a trick of his own. He terminated production of the Model T before the new Model A was ready! All the details of the A were kept secret: no specifications, no pictures, no price, nothing. (Ap-parently, industrial espionage was not in vogue yet.) The suspense and speculation created a new type of market. When the A finally appeared,it was not outstanding. Nevertheless, dealers took 400,000 orders in thefirst two weeks!On the other end of the scale, many others tried their hands at making auto-mobiles, typi-cally after working for an e s t a b l i s h e d company. In e n g i n e e r i n g terms, some of these were masterpieces.There is little on today’s carsthat wasn’t at least tried before WWII. But economically, most firms were failures in the sense that they didn’t produce a large number of cars or stay in business for a long time. In fact, a surprising number of companies never got as far as actually selling a car. The Depression elimi-nated many of them. The number of brands available today may be be-wildering, but it is small compared to the number that no longer exist.The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars lists more than 300 makes un-der the letter A alone!Cars quickly changed the American landscape, filling in the spaces be-tween the towns. Motor hotels , later shortened to motels were built along the highway. Ford himself, with his friends Harvey Firestone and Thomas Edison (for whom he had worked), pioneered the motoring vacation. In 1913 the Gulf Refining Company opened the first filling station; previ-ously motorists had to drive to a railroad station and fill from a tank ernment, rather than supporting the wonderful invention, con-sidered it a nuisance and discouraged it with high taxes and low speed limits. Bad technical design was purposely used to avoid repressive regu-lations, but the concept was too powerful to kill.Willys-Overland Jeep : THE vehicle of WWII.(Walter P. Chrysler Museum)Production of civilian cars ceased shortly after the country’s entry into WWII. All industry turned to manufacturing war materiel. Even re-placement parts to keep the existing cars going were sometimes un-available. Gasoline was rationed, but if you needed extra, you just bought tickets from someone else, and the free market continued as the black market. Tires, the fastest wearing parts on the car, were nearly unavail-able, but they used inner tubes, which were. If the tire were torn too badly to contain the tube, “boots” (essentially pieces of ultra-heavy tube) were available to cover the hole. The main problem was that the supply of natural rubber from the Orient had been intercepted by the Japa-nese. This led to the development of synthetic rubber, which turned out to be better anyway.The best-known vehicle of WWII was the Army’s general-purpose vehicle, abbreviated GP, which came to be pronounced Jeep, now a reg-istered trademark. In 1939 the Army sought a lightweight, but tough, utility vehicle. The first successful models were built by Bantam, but the contract was awarded to Willys-Overland Company. With Ford also producing the vehicle under forced license, 660,000 were produced for WWII. It had four-wheel-drive (4WD), unusual back then, and was known for chewing through muck while everything else was getting stuck. Aside from the complexity of 4WD, it was simple and rugged. If the defrosters couldn’t keep up with the snow, which was most of the time, you disassembled the top, folded down the windshield, and sol-diered on. At one time Jeep was used to signify any 4WD vehicle. A notable anomaly was the ubiquitous U.S. postal jeep (neither rain, wind, nor snow, etc.), which was 2WD.After WWII, Willys redesigned the Jeep slightly for civilian use and designated it the CJ for civilian Jeep. Willys-Overland was taken over by Kaiser in 1953 and then by American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1970. After a model run of 33 years with minimal changes, the CJ was replaced by the YJ, allegedly for yuppie Jeep, although never officially acknowledged. AMC became dominated by Renault and then was bought entirely in 1988 by Chrysler, now part of Daimler-Chrysler. The Jeep survived all of this and is now a complete line, all 4WD.Post WWIIAt the end of WWII, the mighty wartime industry returned to manu-facturing cars for the public in record numbers as fast as factories could be reconverted and scarce supplies replenished. These were bought hun-grily by returning military personnel who had not been home to spend their pay and by civilians, who had not spent theirs because there were few goods to buy. Initially, the cars were the same as before the war, but the industry was already preparing for explosive growth. If the economy could produce millions of vehicles to be destroyed, why not millions for good use? In 1946 the miles of surfaced roads exceeded the unsurfaced total for the first time.American manufacturers began making their cars look different with sheet metal, chrome, and ornaments, but underneath they were pretty much the same: water-cooled flathead V-8 or straight-6 engine, front-mounted, rear drive. Automatic transmissions were just beginning, and some were not fully automatic. Independent front suspension was be-ginning to replace beam axle. Rear was solid or live-axle with leaf springs. Although far from optimum, the combination was quite ad-equate, serviceable, and reliable. Options consisted of: exterior color, whitewall tires, radio (AM only), heater/defroster, and cigarette lighter. Generally not available were: power steering, power brakes, power windows/door locks, air conditioning, any safety equipment, or any sortof sound reproduction.1950s:T he Modern AutomobileAll that changed in the 1950s. If one decade were selected out of the century as that of the automobile, it would be the fifties. By now most families again had a car; the industry set out to convince them they needed a new one, perhaps more than one! Each model year was im-proved, mostly restyled. Options proliferated even for the less expen-sive brands: a range of models within each brand, a variety of engines,standard or overdrive or automatic transmission, anti-spin differential,power accessories, air conditioning, two-tone paint, seat belts, full-wheel covers (very important), fender skirts, and continental kits for the spare tire. Low-profile tubeless tires were introduced, and wheel diameter was reduced to 15 inches, and then 14, to lower vehicle height. It was assumed that each year’s models would be slightly bigger, heavier, bet-ter, and, of course, more expensive than the previous year’s. The luxury marque would, over a few years’ span, be downgraded and replaced with a new name and eventually be relegated as the economy model. Compe-tition was fierce, but it consisted more of copying than innovating. In-dustrial spying was becoming big business. Although model changes had to be planned years in advance, features in one make were invari-ably reflected in the others. Grilles in Fords and Chevys had an un-canny resemblance. One year it was noted that the prices of the base models from the big three were within $20 of each other.I might be slightly biased, because it was the year I got my license,but 1955 seemed to be the outstanding year of the outstanding decade.Chevrolet put the first V-8 in its passenger cars, and it was overhead valve (OHV) and a potent engine. Plymouth had a V-8 for the first time.Ford had gone OHV the year before, but horsepower was up for 1955.Chrysler upped the horsepower of its hemi engine to 300 for a special new model. The 300 series endures today. Styling completed the transi-tion from bulbous to boxy. Chrome was an integral, or even defining,element of the styling. That great American icon, the tailfin, had spread from Cadillac to all makes, although in modest form at first. With the V-8’s popularity came dual exhaust. A beltline chrome strip separated the body into halves for two-tone paint (or three!). The buyers loved it all;by the end of 1955 there were twice as many cars in the country as in 1945.Another notable year was 1958, but in this case it was a bit negative.It was the year of the chrome plague: chrome bumpers were massive to the point of being blinding in bright sun, and trim strips were added anywhere there was room. It was the year of the Edsel, a word that has become a synonym for bad planning. It was the year Chevy introduced air suspension. The damping from the leafs of the leaf springs rubbing against each other was gone, the shock absorbers (dampers, really) were not stiffened accordingly (probably in deference to Americans’ penchantOld and new high-performance: famed Duesenberg “J” (origin of the expression,“It’s a Doozy!”) and Dodge Viper (William Pettit)for a soft, if unsafe, ride), and the rear end was noted for bobbing around.(Air was soon replaced by coil springs all around, but this had the same problem, and the uncomplimentary name bedspring suspension was ac-quired.) Chevy’s body style lasted only one year. Chevy introduced a bigger optional V-8, which proved less practical and was itself replaced after seven years. (The previous small block , in contrast, lasted into the 90s.) Ford also introduced a new engine that was disturbingly similar to the previous trouble-prone design it replaced; it was eventually refined into Ford’s legendary 427. Ford’s Thunderbird became a four-passen-ger luxury sedan, giving up all pretense of being a sports car.1960s:Muscles, Compacts, and PoniesThe sixties were notable for several things, not all good: Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it is close to scientific truth to say that some profoundly ugly cars were made. Cadillac produced the batmobile series whose tailfins were so big and sharp that they were declared a hazard to pedestrians. Some Chrysler products had a fake spare tire cover on the trunk lid that was promptly named the toilet seat .Enthusiasts cared less about looks—performance had become breath-taking! Performance meant engines—speed in a straight line only, please.In the decade after 1955, available horsepower doubled. To be eligible un-der NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Racing) rules, a maker had to sell a certain number of cars or engines through a dealer, allegedly for use on the street. The companies quickly learned the advertising value of winning races. Ratings shot from 200 hp to 400 hp and then mysteri-ously stopped while development continued. What had happened was that the insurance companies were declining to insure these rockets, and they weren’t selling, even at cost. At the peak, all of the big three makers had engines actually producing in excess of 600 hp on the test stand!This was for full-sized cars, as all had been in the 50s. Within each brand in the 60s came sub-lines of different sizes. Known as compacts ,they seemed relatively small, spartan, and underpowered. Except for their styling, compacts weren’t much different from the cars of a decade or two earlier.In between came a line imaginatively termed intermediates . How-ever, some came to be fitted with engines only slightly smaller and tamer than the NASCAR-oriented engines. These came to be known as muscle cars and are highly prized by collectors today.1959 Cadillac: dubbed the Batmobile , the fins were later declared a hazard to pedestrians. (Henry Ford Museum)In 1962 Ford exhibited a two-passenger, mid-engine, V-6, indepen-dent-rear-suspension, sporty show car named the Mustang. It gener-ated much interest, and Ford announced it would produce the Mustang.In 1964 the company did, but it was a four-passenger, front-engine, solid-axle car which used components from Ford’s regular compact, the Fal-con. However, the Mustang was cute and sold well; in fact, the Mustang gave a name to a class known as pony cars. The line was downgraded,but it survived, and pony cars became Ford’s current performance line.1970s:BackslidingThe euphoria was shattered by a series of events: First, the govern-ment imposed emission standards. High performance had been achieved partly by feeding the cylinders excess fuel to use 100% of the oxygen,considerably more than theoretically necessary. This improved horse-power, response, and cold operation at the expense of seriously increas-ing hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. These had to go, so mixtures were leaned, and the old bugaboos returned. Unleaded gasoline was mandated—lead fouled the necessary catalytic converters. Octane rat-ings dropped, necessitating lower compression ratios. The method of rating octane was changed, making the numbers look even worse than they were. The converters contained platinum and hence were expen-sive, so dual exhaust disappeared.Second, a more realistic method of rating horsepower was adopted.Originally engines were tested with everything possible removed—no water pump, generator, air cleaner, or exhaust system. The new system required the engine to be in street configuration. Net output was measured rather than gross; ratings suddenly dropped by about a third.Lastly, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)oil embargo hit in 1973. Gasoline was scarce, and many companies stopped producing high-test altogether. Also, the government mandated the post-ing of fuel-economy figures on new cars, and buyers paid attention.All of these factors conspired against the engine, and the seventies were known for poor-performance cars. The suddenness of the change,combined with the de-ratings, made the decade seem worse than it was.There was a general consensus (fortunately incorrect) that high-perfor-mance was gone for good.1964 Mustang: resemblance to show car, nearly zero, was close enough.(Henry Ford Museum)1980s:Fight for SurvivalBy the eighties all American automakers were in trouble, losing bil-lions of dollars per year. The dinosaurs (as George Romney, AMC presi-dent, had referred to them) were having trouble adapting to cosmic changes. They believed (correctly) that by-and-large Americans pre-ferred American cars, but they mis-guessed how much the buyers would put up with before they switched. Japan became the world’s No. 1automaker in 1980, eventually capturing 28% of the U.S. market.Chrysler convinced the government to guarantee a billion-dollar loan to modernize in order to survive.Throughout the seventies American manufacturers begrudgingly introduced subcompacts. (Smaller cars returned smaller profits.) They also made alliances with foreign manufacturers, sometimes selling a purely foreign car under an American name. As the economy worsened,small cars came to account for the majority of sales.In 1985, Ford boldly invested heavily in an all-new FWD aerody-namic model—the Taurus. It certainly looked different, eliciting such comments as “a basket of Easter eggs” and “another Edsel.” But Ford stood by it, fixed some problems, and maintained quality. Taurus/Sable became its mainstay.GM gradually undertook to beat the Japanese at their own game—build a better car for a lower price—and with the help of tariffs, im-port quotas, and changing exchange rates, succeeded to a certain ex-tent. Some parties, both labor and management, clearly would have preferred a law requiring Americans to buy American , but the gov-ernment wasn’t willing to go that far.1990s:The Resurgence of the AutomobileWith the economy strong once again, the price of gasoline stabilized,and a number of significant technological advances coming on line, de-signing, selling, and driving cars once again became fun. Manufacturers stopped complaining about emission standards and bragged that they could exceed them. Computer-controlled, sequential-port electronic fuel injection (EFI) gave not only lower emissions, but also better perfor-mance. Closed-loop feedback systems measured combustion and exhaust and adjusted the engine parameters for optimal operation, even for sub-optimal components on the input side. Detroit decided that it could af-ford disc brakes and independent suspension for the rear, too, after see-ing them on imports for decades. Virtually everything designed for home427 Shelby-Ford-AC Cobra: a living legend. There are many more clones than originals.(Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum)audio was so miniaturized and rugged that it could be readily adapted for a car. Makers could no longer afford not to have the automatic trans-mission controlled by an electronic computer, rather than ramain me-chanical. Performance began to match that of the old muscle cars, while meeting emission standards, getting reasonable gas mileage, and re-taining all safety and comfort features. In addition, a number of specialty supercars became available—200 mph cars that met federal standards. 2000 and BeyondHistorically, exciting predictions of the future have mostly been wrong. The best bet is the status quo. Breakthroughs are always possible, but one should not count on them, much less schedule them. One manufac-turer speaks of the air being cleaner after its car has passed through; imagine being urged to drive because the air was dirty! (A similar situ-ation does occur with river water intake compared to sewage water out-put in some cities.) We do have some potentially limitless energy sources: the sun, if we can invent a cheap, efficient way of harnessing its radia-tion, preferably directly as electricity; nuclear fusion, which needs a tech-nological breakthrough; and nuclear fission, where the problems are po-litical, not technical. Then we can use electric cars, that is, if we can get a battery breakthrough. Or we can dissociate water into hydrogen and oxygen so we can have a more powerful IC engine whose emissions are harmless, if we can figure out a practical storage system for the gases.As one wag puts it, “The electric car is the car of the future and has been for 100 years.” The internal combustion engine will probably be around in some form for a while, continually improving. Historically, again, most predicted barriers have since been broken. We have already reached the point where replacing an existing car with a new one is negative progress because the pollution incurred in manufacturing all the necessary materials is more than the old car will emit. Furthermore, the expense could have been directed to something that actually would reduce pollution (the exclusion principle, too often ignored). It appears that the future of the IC automobile may be decided not by engineering, nor even economics, but by politics. Often in the past, lawmakers have tried to set aside the laws of nature, with disastrous results, and it will no doubt happen again.References:Autoweek Magazine, various issues.Automobile Magazine, various issues.America on Wheels, Coffey and Layden, General Publishing Group.The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars, G.W. Georgano, editor, E.F.Dutton & Co. The History of the Automobile, Marco Ruiz, Gallery Books.The Automobile, the First Century, Burgess-Wise, Boddy, Laban, Greenwich House. Guy Eavers Museum, Mint Spring, V A (540/337-1126).Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI (313/982-6116).Walter P. Chrysler Museum, Auburn Hills, MI (888/473-2822).Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum, Auburn, IN (219/925-1444).Dodge Viper prototype: the productioncar was as similar as the law would allow. (Walter P. Chrysler Museum)Arthur D. Delagrange, Massa-chusetts Beta ’61, and his wifeJanice, live near Mt. Airy, MD,which is on the Old NationalPike. He received a B.S. andM.S. from the MassachusettsInstitute of T echnology in 1962and a Ph.D. from the Univer-sity of Maryland in 1974, all inelectrical engineering. Heworked at the Naval SurfaceWarfare Center in SilverSpring, MD, (now closed)during 1959-94. Since retiringhe has done consulting, bothfree-lance and for AdvancedT echnology & Research,Burtonsville, MD.Art has authored 68governmental reports,22 articles in trade magazines,and one chapter in The Art andScience of Analog Design,editedby Jim Williams (Butterworth-Heinemann).He has written articles on the C&O Canal (T HE B ENT, Fall1999) and on the B&ORailroad (T HE B ENT, Spring2000). Art holds nine patents,and his hobbies includeelectronics, audio, music, cars,water-skiing, and cycling. Hehas been interested in cars aslong as he can remember.。

汽车发展历史的有关介绍英语作文The Fascinating History of CarsHave you ever wondered how cars came to be? Cars are such a big part of our lives today, but there was a time when they didn't exist at all! The story of how cars were invented and developed over time is a fascinating one. Let me take you on a journey through the history of automobiles!In the BeginningWay back in the 1700s, steam-powered vehicles were the first self-propelled machines that could transport people. However, these early steam vehicles were very large, heavy, and not very practical for everyday use. It wasn't until the late 1800s that the real groundwork for modern cars was laid.In 1885, a German inventor named Karl Benz patented the first gasoline-powered automobile. His three-wheeled vehicle, called the Motorwagen, is considered the first true automobile. It had a four-stroke engine, ran on gasoline, and could reach a top speed of about 10 miles per hour! Imagine driving that slowly today!Around the same time, other inventors like Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach were also working on gasoline-poweredengines and vehicles. In 1889, Daimler and Maybach created the first high-speed petrol engine, which could run at a remarkable 900 revolutions per minute!The Early 1900sAs the 1900s began, the automobile industry started to take shape. More and more people became interested in these "horseless carriages," and companies started mass-producing cars. One of the most famous early automakers was Henry Ford.In 1908, Ford introduced the Model T, which was affordable for many middle-class Americans. It was simple, sturdy, and easy to operate. Ford's innovative assembly line method of production made the Model T even more affordable, and it became incredibly popular. By 1927, Ford had produced over 15 million Model Ts!Other automakers like General Motors, Chrysler, and Dodge also started mass-producing cars in the early 1900s. As more and more people bought cars, roads and highways had to be built to accommodate them.The Roaring 1920sThe 1920s were a golden age for the automobile industry. Cars became more stylish, comfortable, and powerful. They wereno longer just a mode of transportation but also a symbol of freedom and status.One of the most iconic cars of the 1920s was the Ford Model A, which replaced the Model T in 1927. It was more modern, with a sleeker design and improved features like roll-up windows and a quieter engine.The 1930s and BeyondThe Great Depression of the 1930s hit the automobile industry hard, but it bounced back stronger than ever after World War II. In the 1950s and 1960s, cars became bigger, faster, and more luxurious. Iconic models like the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, and Volkswagen Beetle captured the hearts of Americans.Safety and fuel efficiency became major concerns in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to the development of safer cars with features like seatbelts, airbags, and better fuel economy.Today's CarsModern cars are technological marvels, packed with advanced features like navigation systems, backup cameras, and even self-driving capabilities! They're also becoming moreenvironmentally friendly, with hybrid and electric cars becoming increasingly popular.But no matter how technologically advanced cars become, they all owe their existence to those early pioneers who dared to dream of horseless carriages over a century ago.The history of automobiles is a fascinating tale of human ingenuity, perseverance, and innovation. From the humble beginnings of the Motorwagen to the high-tech cars of today, the automobile has come a long way, and its journey is far from over!。

汽车历史发展的有关介绍英语作文The development of automobiles throughout history has been a fascinating journey that has revolutionized transportation and shaped the way we live today. From the invention of the first rudimentary vehicles to the highly advanced and innovative cars of the 21st century, cars have come a long way.The origins of the automobile can be traced back to the late 19th century when German engineer Karl Benz patented the first gasoline-powered automobile in 1886. This invention marked the beginning of the automotive industry and laid the foundation for the development of modern cars. Benz's invention was soon followed by other pioneers in the field, such as Henry Ford, who introduced the assembly line in 1913, revolutionizing the mass production of automobiles.Throughout the early 20th century, cars became more accessible to the general public as advancements in technology and manufacturing processes led to more affordable and reliable vehicles. The introduction of features such as electric starters, windshield wipers, and safety glass made cars safer and more convenient for everyday use.The automotive industry boomed in the post-World War II era as car manufacturers introduced new models with improved performance, design, and comfort. The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of iconic American muscle cars such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as European sports cars like the Ferrari and Porsche.In the 1970s and 1980s, the focus shifted towards fuel efficiency and environmental concerns, leading to the development of smaller and more fuel-efficient cars. The oil crisis of the 1970s prompted car manufacturers to invest in alternative fuel technologies, such as electric and hybrid vehicles.The 21st century has brought about even more advancements in automotive technology, with the emergence of self-driving cars, electric vehicles, and connected cars. Companies like Tesla have revolutionized the industry with their innovative electric cars and autonomous driving capabilities.Today, cars are more advanced than ever before, with features such as GPS navigation, smartphone integration, and advanced safety systems becoming standard in many vehicles. The future of the automotive industry looks promising, with continued innovation and advancements in technology shaping the cars of tomorrow.In conclusion, the history of automobiles is a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. From the invention of the first automobile to the high-tech cars of today, cars have evolved significantly over the years, becoming an integral part of modern society. As technology continues to advance, the automotive industry will continue to evolve, bringing new possibilities and opportunities for the future.。

汽车历史发展的有关介绍英语作文Title: The History and Development of AutomobilesIntroductionThe invention of the automobile revolutionized transportation and society as a whole. Over the years, automobiles have evolved from basic horseless carriages to sophisticated machines equipped with advanced technology. This essay will provide a comprehensive overview of the history and development of automobiles.Early BeginningsThe history of automobiles dates back to the 19th century when inventors began experimenting with steam-powered vehicles. In 1769, Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built the firstself-propelled mechanical vehicle, which was powered by a steam engine. However, it was not until the late 19th century that automobiles started to become more practical and accessible to the general public.The Ford Model T and Mass ProductionIn 1908, Henry Ford introduced the Model T, which became the first affordable automobile for the average American. Fordrevolutionized the production process by implementing the assembly line, which significantly reduced the cost of manufacturing cars. This made automobiles more accessible to a larger segment of the population, leading to a boom in car ownership.Technological AdvancementsThroughout the 20th century, automobiles saw significant advancements in technology, such as the introduction of electric starters, hydraulic brakes, and automatic transmissions. These innovations made driving safer and more convenient for consumers. In the 21st century, the development of autonomous vehicles and electric cars has transformed the automotive industry once again. Companies like Tesla are leading the way in producing environmentally friendly vehicles that are equipped with self-driving capabilities.Environmental ConcernsAs the popularity of automobiles increased, so did the environmental impact of car emissions. Concerns about air pollution and climate change have prompted governments and automakers to develop more eco-friendly solutions. Electric vehicles, powered by renewable energy sources, are seen as a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.Additionally, advancements in hybrid technology have made it possible to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.The Future of AutomobilesThe future of automobiles is promising, with continued advancements in technology and sustainability. Self-driving cars are expected to become more prevalent in the coming years, offering a safer and more efficient way to travel. Electric vehicles are also expected to dominate the market as governments around the world push for stricter emissions standards.ConclusionThe history and development of automobiles have come a long way since the first steam-powered vehicles of the 18th century. From the invention of the Ford Model T to the introduction of electric and autonomous vehicles, automobiles have continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of consumers. As we look toward the future, it is clear that the automotive industry will continue to innovate and adapt to ensure a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation for years to come.。

汽车发展历史英语作文200词汽车发展历史英语作文。

Car Development History.英文回答：I believe that the history of car development is a fascinating journey that showcases human ingenuity and technological advancements. From the invention of the first automobile to the electric and self-driving cars of today, the evolution of cars has revolutionized transportation and shaped the modern world.The birth of the automobile can be traced back to the late 19th century, with the invention of the steam-powered vehicle by Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot in 1769. However, it was Karl Benz who is credited with creating the first practical automobile in 1886. His Benz Patent-Motorwagen, powered by an internal combustion engine, marked the beginning of theera of gasoline-powered cars.Over the years, car manufacturers continued to innovate and improve upon the initial designs. Henry Ford's introduction of the assembly line in the early 20th century revolutionized the production process, making cars more affordable and accessible to the masses. This led to the popularization of automobiles and the rise of the automotive industry.Advancements in technology have also played a significant role in the development of cars. The introduction of electric cars in the early 20th century, although not widely adopted at the time, laid the foundation for the electric vehicles we see today. With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, electric cars have gained popularity in recent years, offering a greener alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.Furthermore, the concept of self-driving cars has become a reality in recent years, with companies like Teslaand Google leading the way in autonomous vehicle technology. These cars have the potential to revolutionizetransportation once again, offering increased safety and efficiency on the roads.中文回答：我相信汽车发展的历史是一段令人着迷的旅程，展示了人类的智慧和技术进步。

英语作文汽车发展史180词英文回答：The history of automobile development is a fascinating journey that spans over a century. From the invention ofthe first car by Karl Benz in 1886 to the modern electric vehicles of today, the automotive industry has undergone significant changes and advancements.In the early days of automobiles, cars were considereda luxury item and only the wealthy could afford them. However, with the introduction of mass productiontechniques by Henry Ford in the early 20th century, cars became more affordable and accessible to the general public. This led to the widespread adoption of automobiles as a primary mode of transportation.Over the years, technological advancements have revolutionized the automotive industry. From theintroduction of safety features such as seat belts andairbags to the development of self-driving cars, the industry has constantly evolved to meet the changing needs of consumers.One of the most significant developments in recent years is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). With concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability, many car manufacturers are now focusing on producing electric cars that are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.In conclusion, the history of automobile development is a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the automotive industry in the years to come.中文回答：汽车发展史是一个跨越一个世纪的迷人旅程。

汽车历史发展的有关介绍英语作文汽车历史发展的有关介绍。

英文回答：The history of automobiles can be traced back to thelate 19th century. The invention of the first practical automobile is often attributed to Karl Benz, who built the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1886. This marked the beginningof a new era in transportation.The early cars were quite different from the ones wesee today. They were powered by internal combustion engines and had a basic design with a single cylinder. These cars were not very powerful and had a limited top speed. However, they were a significant improvement over horse-drawn carriages and quickly gained popularity.As the technology advanced, cars became more sophisticated and efficient. Manufacturers startedexperimenting with different engine configurations and designs. The introduction of the Ford Model T in 1908 revolutionized the automobile industry. It was the first car to be mass-produced using assembly line techniques, making it affordable for the average person.Over the years, cars have undergone numerous changes and improvements. The introduction of electric cars and hybrid vehicles has brought about a shift towards more environmentally friendly transportation options. Advanced safety features, such as airbags and anti-lock braking systems, have also become standard in modern cars.The automotive industry has had a significant impact on society and the economy. It has created jobs, stimulated economic growth, and provided people with a convenient mode of transportation. Cars have also become a symbol of status and personal freedom.中文回答：汽车的历史可以追溯到19世纪末。

汽车发展历史的有关介绍英语作文英文回答：The history of the automobile is a fascinating tale of innovation and ingenuity. From its humble beginnings as a novelty toy for the wealthy to its ubiquitous presence in modern society, the automobile has transformed the way we live and work.The first automobile, known as the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, was invented by Karl Benz in 1886. This three-wheeled vehicle was powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine and could reach a top speed of 16 kilometers per hour. Benz's invention laid the foundation for the development of the modern automobile, but it was still afar cry from the sophisticated machines we drive today.In the early days of the automobile industry, there was a great deal of experimentation with different engine designs and vehicle configurations. Some of the earlyautomobiles were powered by steam engines or electric motors, while others used gasoline-powered engines. By the turn of the 20th century, the gasoline-powered engine had become the dominant design, and it remains the most common type of engine in use today.The early automobiles were also quite expensive, and they were only affordable for the wealthy. However, as the industry matured and production methods became more efficient, the cost of automobiles began to decline. By the 1920s, automobiles were becoming increasingly affordablefor the average consumer, and car ownership became a symbol of middle-class status.The development of the automobile had a profound impact on society. It made it possible for people to travel greater distances more quickly and easily, and it opened up new possibilities for recreation and leisure. The automobile also played a major role in the development of the suburbs, as people were able to live further away from their workplaces and still commute to work each day.Today, the automobile is an integral part of modern life. It is used for transportation, recreation, and work. The automobile industry is also a major economic force, employing millions of people around the world.中文回答：汽车的发展历史是一部关于创新和创造力的迷人故事。

介绍一下关于汽车的发展史英语作文200字全文共6篇示例，供读者参考篇1Here's an essay about the history of cars, written in a tone suitable for elementary school students, approximately 200 words long:The History of CarsA long, long time ago, there were no cars. People had to walk or ride horses to get from one place to another. It was slow and tiring. Then, a smart man named Karl Benz invented the first car in 1886. It was called the Benz Patent Motorwagen, and it could go as fast as 16 kilometers per hour!After that, more and more people started making cars. Henry Ford made the Model T in 1908, and it was the first car that many regular people could afford to buy. Cars became very popular, and soon there were cars everywhere.At first, cars were simple and didn't have many features. They didn't even have radios or air conditioning! But over time,engineers kept making cars better and better. They added radios, air conditioning, seatbelts, and all kinds of other cool things.Nowadays, cars are much faster, safer, and more comfortable than the very first ones. Some cars can even drive themselves! Who knows what kinds of amazing cars we'll have in the future? One thing is for sure – cars have come a long way since the Benz Patent Motorwagen!篇2The Amazing Story of Cars!Long ago, there were no cars at all. Can you imagine that? People had to walk or ride horses everywhere they went. That must have been really hard and taken a lot of time!Then in the 1800s, some really smart inventors started thinking about making something faster and easier than horses. They wanted to make a machine that could move all by itself without any animals pulling it. Crazy idea, right?One of the first people to make a vehicle like this was a German guy named Gottlieb Daimler in 1886. His vehicle was powered by a gasoline engine and is considered one of the first true automobiles. Around the same time, another Germaninventor named Karl Benz made a similar kind of gas-powered vehicle. These were like super early, basic versions of the cars we have today!In 1908, Henry Ford started a company to make a car that regular people could afford to buy. It was called the Model T. Ford made the process of building cars much faster by using assembly lines in his factories. This made cars way cheaper so more people could get one. Over 15 million Model Ts were made!As time went on, car companies kept making cars better and adding cool new features. They got faster engines, better tires, radios, heaters, and all sorts of other fun stuff. Buying a new car with the latest tech became really popular.Today, we have some super high-tech cars with computer screens, backup cameras, and even driving assistance that can help steer for you. Some cars are electric and don't need gasoline at all. The possibilities for what future cars will be like are endless!Cars have come a incredibly long way since the old school horseless carriages. What was once just a dream of replacing horse travel became a hugely successful industry that changedthe entire world. Pretty neat, right? Who knows what awesome new car inventions are still to come!篇3The History of CarsCars are so cool! They can take us all over town and even on long trips. But cars haven't been around forever. A long time ago, people just had to walk everywhere or ride horses. That must have been really tiring!The very first car was invented in 1886 by two German men named Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. Their car was called the Motorwagen and it could go almost 10 miles per hour! Can you imagine walking that fast? I can't!In 1908, Henry Ford started making a car called the Model T. It was affordable so more people could buy cars. His factory could make a new Model T car every 24 seconds! That's super fast.Over the years, cars got bigger, faster, and fancier. Now we have cars that can park themselves, cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline, and even self-driving cars! Who knows what amazing cars we'll have in the future?Cars have come a really long way from that first little Motorwagen. I'm glad we don't have to walk or ride horses everywhere anymore. Thanks to cars, we can go practically anywhere we want!篇4The History of CarsA long time ago, people had to walk or ride horses to get places. It was very slow! Then, people invented a new machine called the car. Cars could move much faster than horses.The first real car was made in 1886 by a German man named Karl Benz. His car was called the Benz Patent Motorwagen. It had a gasoline engine and three wheels. It could go about 10 miles per hour.In 1908, a company called Ford started making cars for normal people to buy. Before that, only rich people could afford cars. The Ford Model T was cheap and simple. Over 15 million Model Ts were made!In the early 1900s, cars became more popular. People started racing cars for fun. Some cars could now go over 100 miles perhour! New companies like General Motors and Chrysler started making cars too.After World War 2, cars got better and better. They had radios, heaters, and other cool things. Companies made different types like trucks, vans, and SUVs. Today, over 1 billion cars drive on roads around the world! Cars changed everything.篇5The History of CarsCars are super cool! They let us travel really far and fast. But cars haven't been around forever. A long, long time ago there were no cars at all! Can you imagine that?The very first car was invented way back in 1886. It was made by two German inventors named Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz. Their early cars looked really weird and went pretty slow compared to today's cars. They only went about 10 miles per hour!As time went on, cars got better and better. In 1908, a company called Ford started mass producing a simple, affordable car called the Model T. This helped make carsavailable for regular people, not just the super rich. By the 1920s, over 15 million Model Ts had been made!In the 1950s and 60s, cars became sleeker and more stylish. Tail fins and chrome became popular designs. Seatbelts were added to keep people safer too. Nowadays, cars are computers on wheels with backup cameras, navigation systems, and hybrid or electric engines that are better for the environment.Who knows what cars will be like in the future? Maybe they'll fly or drive themselves! One thing is for sure - cars have come a really long way since their humble beginnings over 130 years ago. Isn't that just amazing?篇6The History of CarsA long, long time ago, there were no cars! Can you imagine that? People had to walk everywhere or ride horses and buggies. It was very slow.Then in the 1800s, some very smart inventors started experimenting with engines that could power vehicles. The first gasoline-powered automobile was invented in 1885 by Karl Benzin Germany. It had three wheels and could go about 10 miles per hour. Not very fast!In 1908, Henry Ford started mass producing a simple, affordable car called the Model T. This made cars available to regular people, not just the rich. By the 1920s, there were over 20 million Model Ts on the road!As time went on, cars got faster, bigger, and fancier. They got radios, heaters, and air conditioning to make riding more enjoyable. Tail fins and chrome became popular designs in the 1950s. Cars looked really cool and futuristic!Today's cars are packed with high-tech features like backup cameras, navigation systems, and hybrid engines. Electric cars are becoming more common too. Who knows what cars will be like in the future? One thing is for sure - humans sure have come a long way from those first three-wheeled automobiles!。