Cars, also known as automobiles, are wheeled motor vehicles primarily used for transporting people on roads. They typically seat one to eight people and have four wheels. Globally, there are approximately one billion cars in use, making them a significant component of developed economies.
1900: Daimler's Death
Gottlieb Daimler passed away in 1900. In the same year, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Daimler-Mercedes engine.
1901: Oldsmobile's Assembly Line Production
Ransom Olds initiated large-scale assembly line production of affordable cars in 1901 at his Oldsmobile factory.
1901: Oldsmobile Curved Dash
The Oldsmobile Curved Dash, released in 1901, is widely considered the first mass-produced car.
1902: Mercedes Model Launch
In 1902, DMG released a new car model named Mercedes, equipped with the Maybach engine.
1902: Studebaker Electric Vehicle Sales
Studebaker began selling electric vehicles in 1902.
1904: Studebaker Petrol Vehicle Sales
Studebaker started selling petrol-powered vehicles in 1904.
1908: Ford Model T
The Ford Model T, launched in 1908, is widely regarded as the first mass-affordable car.
1910: Electric Ignition and Self-Starter
Charles Kettering invented the electric ignition and electric self-starter for Cadillac in 1910.
1911: Electric Ignition and Self-Starter
Charles Kettering invented the electric ignition and electric self-starter for Cadillac in 1911.
1911: Ford's Expansion in Europe
Ford established manufacturing presence in France and Britain in 1911.
1911: Overturning of Selden's Patent
George Selden's patent, which had hindered car development in the US, was overturned in 1911.
1913: Ford Assembly Line Success
Ford's moving assembly line significantly increased production speed and efficiency in 1913.
1913: Ford's Moving Assembly Line
Henry Ford introduced the world's first moving assembly line for cars in 1913.
1914: Model T Affordability
By 1914, a Ford assembly line worker could purchase a Model T with four months' pay.
1919: Citroën Enters Car Market
Citroën entered the car market in 1919.
1920: Many American Car Makers
There were around two hundred American car makers in 1920.
1921: Citroën Adopts Ford's Production Method
Citroën became the first European car manufacturer to adopt Ford's assembly line production method in 1921.
1922: Early Car Production in Japan
In 1922, car production in Japan was limited. Few companies produced vehicles, and those were primarily small, three-wheeled vehicles for commercial use or the result of partnerships with European manufacturers, such as Isuzu building the Wolseley A-9.
1923: Ford Enters Denmark
Ford expands into Denmark in 1923.
1923: Morris's Vertical Integration
Morris began vertical integration, acquiring parts suppliers and competitors in 1923.
1924: Morris's Production Line and Opel's Laubfrosch
Morris set up a production line at Cowley in 1924 and Opel launched its mass-produced car, the Laubfrosch, in the same year.
1925: Ford Enters Germany
Ford established a presence in Germany in 1925.
1926: Duco Lacquer Development
The development of fast-drying Duco lacquer in 1926 allowed Ford to offer cars in various colors.
1930: Assembly Line Dominance
By 1930, the assembly line became essential for car manufacturers, leading to the demise of many smaller companies.
1930: Decline of American Car Makers
Only 43 of the original two hundred American car makers survived by 1930 due to competition and the Great Depression.
1940: Further Decline of American Car Makers
Only 17 American car makers remained by 1940.
2006: Car Sharing Growth
Between 2006 and 2007, car-sharing services in the US experienced significant growth in revenue and membership.
2007: Car Sharing Growth
Between 2006 and 2007, car-sharing services in the US experienced significant growth in revenue and membership.
2010: Fuel Consumption Reduction
Between 2010 and 2015, the average rated fuel consumption of new light-duty vehicles fell by an average of 1.8% annually.
2015: Fuel Consumption Reduction
Between 2010 and 2015, the average rated fuel consumption of new light-duty vehicles fell by an average of 1.8% annually.
2017: Fuel Consumption Reduction Slows
Between 2017 and 2019, the average fuel consumption of new light-duty vehicles decreased by only 0.9%, significantly less than the 1.8% annual reduction between 2010 and 2015.
2017: Peak Petrol Car Production
The production of petrol-fuelled cars reached its highest point in 2017.
2018: World's Most Congested Cities
In 2018, Moscow, Istanbul, Bogotá, Mexico City, and São Paulo were identified as the world's most congested cities.
2019: Fuel Consumption Targets
In 2019, the International Energy Agency estimated that fuel consumption needed to decrease by 4.3% annually from 2019 to 2030 to meet climate goals.
2019: Increasing Car Weight
In 2019, cars typically weighed between 1 and 3 tonnes due to added safety features, batteries, and more powerful engines. Heavier cars are safer for the driver in a crash, but pose greater risks to other vehicles and road users.
2019: Cars and Pollution
As of 2019, cars consumed almost a quarter of the world's oil production. Petrol and diesel cars contributed significantly to air pollution, and cars and vans caused 8% of direct carbon dioxide emissions in 2021. Electric cars, while cleaner, still had higher lifecycle carbon emissions due to battery production.
2020: Leading Car Manufacturers and Markets
In 2020, China was the largest car producer (20 million), followed by Japan (7 million), Germany, South Korea, and India. China was also the largest car market, followed by the US.
2020: Global Car Production Decline
In 2020, global car production decreased to 56 million vehicles, down from 67 million in the previous year.
2021: Rise of Electric Cars
In 2021, electric cars made up 9% of all car sales, and there were over 16 million electric cars on the roads globally. However, less than 2% of all cars were fully electric or plug-in hybrids by the end of the year.
2021: Electric Car Emissions
In 2021, electric cars still generated greenhouse gas emissions during battery production, requiring them to be driven extensively before becoming cleaner than fossil fuel cars over their lifecycle. This was expected to improve with advancements in battery technology and lower-carbon electricity.
2023: Wheel Hub Motors in Cars
As of 2023, few production cars used wheel hub motors.
2025: Predicted Price Parity of Electric Cars
Electric cars are predicted to reach price parity with petrol-driven cars by 2025.
2025: Planned Stop of Fossil Fuel Car Sales
Many countries planned to stop selling fossil fuel cars between 2025 and 2050.
2030: Amsterdam Fossil Fuel Ban
Amsterdam planned to ban all fossil fuel vehicles by 2030.
2050: Planned Stop of Fossil Fuel Car Sales
Many countries planned to stop selling fossil fuel cars between 2025 and 2050.