Many people wonder what the difference is between an automobile and an automotive industry. The terms automobile and automotive engineering are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two terms. To start, an automobile is anything that is powered by an internal-combustion engine. The automotive industry can refer to industries related to the production and maintenance of motor vehicles, such as an automobile repair shop. The automotive industry is also the industry associated with the design, manufacture, and maintenance of motor vehicles.
A car, also known as an automobile, is a self-propelled, four-wheeled motor vehicle that is suitable for use on ordinary roads. Hundreds of different models exist, each with different features and functions. Some automobiles are multipurpose, while others are used exclusively as transportation. Today’s automobiles are technically complex and employ thousands of parts to function. Their development is a result of advances in existing and emerging technologies, environmental concerns, safety legislation, and competition among automobile manufacturers around the world.
While the terms car and automobile are sometimes used interchangeably, the two terms are not interchangeable. Both words refer to a class or range of vehicles that are powered by mechanical power. As an example, an automobile brake disc is a component of a car, bus, or truck. In a broader sense, an automobile is a vehicle that moves on its own. An automobile can be anything from a motorbike to a bus or a truck to a motorcycle.
The automotive industry encompasses a wide range of organizations and companies involved in the production, design, and marketing of motor vehicles. As a branch of engineering, automotive engineering includes design, manufacturing, and operations of vehicles. In this way, it is a sub-branch of mechanical engineering. The automotive industry is the most diverse of all, with over 50,000 different manufacturers. A car is defined by its components, which include airbags, brakes, and suspension.
The process of manufacturing an automobile starts with an inventor, such as Karl Benz, who designed the first modern automobiles. His inventions often didn’t go as planned, but he did succeed in perfecting the concept of controlled internal combustion. This new process led to a stable craft production system. At this time, a small team of craftsmen crafted each vehicle by hand. A close inspection of each vehicle revealed that each car was different. This limited the number of vehicles produced because of the craftsman and technology involved in producing each automobile.
Although there are similarities, Cook also recognizes the overlap between automobile engineers and mechanics. He compares automotive repair specialists to the medical field, noting that some specialize in mechanical systems while others focus on performance or electronics. However, he doesn’t equate intelligence with one of the camps. Nonetheless, working on the electronic systems of a vehicle is an intellectually complex task that requires a high level of skill. In addition to being smart, engineers also need to be highly skilled in their respective fields.