Automobiles have become an integral part of many developed societies. From the development of the external combustion engine to the assembly line and mass production techniques, automobiles are a part of the history of transportation. The invention of the automobile is credited to Carl Benz. During the early 20th century, cars became more accessible and affordable. In the US, the Ford Model T became a mass-produced car and replaced animal-drawn carriages. After World War II, demand for automobiles increased across Europe and other parts of the world. By the end of the twentieth century, the automobile was widely available and considered an integral part of developed economies.
Automotive industry
In the automotive industry, marketing and sales play an important role. This includes the distribution of products, management of sales force, and customer relationship management. The primary goal of marketing and sales is to reach the targeted consumer segment and make them aware of the features of the product. This is done by using traditional channels such as advertising and promotions.
The automobile industry has a long history. It originated with the development of steam-powered road vehicles, and later was influenced by large-scale business organization. The automotive industry’s rise coincided with the development of mass production, which made it possible for large firms to invest in heavy assembly-line equipment. These companies were able to benefit from lower costs when compared to smaller competitors.
Development of assembly line manufacturing
The assembly line is one of the most important tools used in the manufacture of automobiles. Today, most parts are no longer manufactured in-house, but are rather produced by suppliers in other countries. The assembly line is an effective way to cut costs and add new products to a company’s lineup.
The assembly line was developed in the early 20th century, but its development dates back to the early 1900s. Henry Ford saw the assembly line in a mail order handler’s facility and was enamored. The assembly line was later developed by Ford and others, through trial and error. The team at Ford included Peter E. Martin, Charles Ebender, and Jozsef Galamb.
Development of mass production techniques
One of the most important aspects of mass production is the use of automation. The flow of materials from one location to the next is carefully regulated, and the production of a partially assembled unit is timed to perfection. This production method is employed in many industries, and allows the consumer to be exposed to a greater variety of products at a reduced cost.
One of the most significant advancements in automobile manufacturing began with Henry Ford, who introduced interchangeable parts and a moving assembly line. Based on the Taylorist philosophy, Ford’s system of mass production separated intellectual work from manual work and streamlined the work process into easily-learned steps. This technique was administered by a hierarchical management system, and each worker was assigned only one or two repetitive tasks. While this mass production technique led to an increase in output at a lower cost, it was fraught with problems.
Evolution of controls in cars
As a result of technological advancements, the controls in cars are evolving in a wide variety of ways. The most obvious change is the use of digitised primary instruments in the dashboard. Jaguar and Range Rover have gone as far as replacing all dials with a graphical display, which simulates an analogue display and lets the driver select the layout of the instruments to suit their personal preference. New technology is also introducing new risks, which makes these technologies less reliable.
Adaptive cruise control, for example, has the ability to plan and follow traffic signals based on variable speed set points. This allows the driver to enjoy a better driving experience and save fuel.