Automobiles have revolutionized the landscape of the United States. They are a favorite means of transportation, both for pleasure and commerce. In terms of Personal Property, an automobile is the most valuable type in the U.S.; they are costly to acquire, heavily taxed, and a favorite target for thieves. Automobiles also produce enormous amounts of air pollution and cause tremendous personal injury. The automobile law covers the four general phases of the life cycle of an automobile.
Development of internal combustion engines
The development of internal combustion engines for automobiles began in 1863. They differ from steam engines in that they use recurrent ignition and release heat into the engine, while external combustion engines use a hot fluid, known as the working fluid, to produce motion and usable work. The internal combustion engine has a rich history spanning more than 150 years and was the brainchild of several great minds. The following is a brief history of internal combustion engines in automobiles.
Development of assembly line manufacturing
The assembly line was first used in the automobile industry by Henry Ford. It employed a standardized assembly process, requiring workers to perform repetitive tasks in a particular order at a set pace. Its benefits included lower costs, improved quality and reliability, and faster production. In 1913, the assembly line cut the time it took to assemble a Model T by more than half, from over twelve hours to only 93 minutes. It has since become the standard method for automobile assembly.
Seat belts
With the increase in road casualties, automakers are introducing innovative safety solutions to minimize the risk of road accidents. With the help of advanced technologies, automakers are improving the safety of automobile occupants, traffic conditions, and infrastructures. A global framework plan to increase road safety is expected to drive the growth of the automotive seat belt market. In addition, rising vehicle sales are fueling the growth of the seat belts industry.
Body-on-frame construction
Body-on-frame construction is the most common vehicle design for passenger cars. Several manufacturers have used this type of construction, including Ford and Lincoln. The Ford Crown Victoria, Nash 600, and AMC Eagle all use body-on-frame construction. Other manufacturers have made unibody SUVs and wagons, such as the Nissan Armada. The Infiniti QX80 is another model with a body-on-frame construction. While body-on-frame construction is more common for passenger cars, SUVs are modified versions of car frames.
Fuel efficiency standards
While automakers do not want divisions on this issue, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the industry group that supports increased mileage standards, does. According to its CEO, a compromise is unlikely soon, and the issue is destined for a long legal fight. Meanwhile, environmental groups and some states are indicating they intend to file lawsuits against the Trump administration. And who knows – the case might end up in the Supreme Court.