The motor vehicle industry commonly known as automobile industry includes all those companies that are involved in the manufacture, design, marketing and selling of vehicles such as luxury cars, lorries and trucks. The motor vehicle industry also includes all those activities of manufacturing and assembling of crucial vehicle components such as bodies and engines. The automobile industry does not include the companies that manufacture tires, fuels, and those that are involved with maintenance of automobiles such as repair shops and fueling stations. The automobile industry is one of the sectors that have a brief but exciting history because of it has been undergoing many changes from the 20th century up to date (Showi 2018, p. 127). Due to advanced technology and globalization, the automobile industry has rapidly evolved from production of gasoline vehicles to production of electric cars which come with many benefits to the users, the community, the industry itself and the whole world.
The automobile industry began in Europe in the early 1860s involving manufacturers that initiated the idea of a horseless carriage. Although the history of motor vehicle traces its root in Europe, the United States dominated the industry during the era of mass production in the early 20th century before it was overtaken by Japan in 1994. After World War II, production of automobile continued to grow exponentially with USA, Japan, and China leading in the production and exportation of cars all over the world. As per the report provided by The US Publisher Ward’s IN 2010, it was estimated that there were more than 1 billion vehicles in use all over the world. Interestingly, this number is expected to double by the end of 2020 with cars making 50% of all cars produced. The motor vehicle industry is one of the sectors that have many lessons that can be learnt starting with environmental awareness, economic growth, modern technology, safety, and manufacturing processes. This paper will, therefore, look at specific lessons and their benefits (PRATTEN & SILBERSTON 2009, p. 47).
Environmental awareness
The issue of climate change and global warming has been a matter of great concern in the recent past from all nations of the world. According to research, global warming is caused by harmful gases such as carbon dioxide. Recent natural disasters, climate change, and rising earth temperature are as a result of the destruction of the ozone layer by these harmful gases (Sierzchula et al. 2012, p. 59). The issue of global warming and climate change is an expensive one to deal with as many nations especially the western countries spend billions of dollars every year to mitigate the results of global warming. Other countries especially those that are developing are suffering from hunger and drought and other natural disasters. Gasoline cars have been there for many centuries and they have been polluting the environment for as long as they have existed. These cars use internal combustion engines which produce the harmful gases which are released into the atmosphere thus destroying the ozone layer. Another issue that arises from the use of fossil as a source of energy in the transport sector is energy conservation. Energy is a limited resource that should be preserved for future use. We are living in a world where the population is growing rapidly and resources are diminishing. Continuous use of petroleum and fuels means that people will wake up one day and find that these resources are gone. Therefore there is the need to invent other sources of energy especially the renewable sources that cannot be entirely exhausted (Wang & Xu 2010, p. 68). It is due to the need to fight pollution and preserve the energy that there has been pressure on automobile industry to produce cars that are efficient, environmentally friendly and at the same time meet the customers’ expectations. The good news is that the automobile industry has realized the need to have pollution-free environment and companies have joined in the battle for environmental health. The production of electric cars and the global automobile companies such as Tesla and Mercedes Benz working together, it is a clear indication that the journey towards a pollution free world has already begun.
The automobile industry has always been the usual suspect every time the issues of emission of carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide which cause global are mentioned. But not anymore because with the invention of electric vehicles, the industry is looking forward to solving this problem once and for all. Electric vehicles are designed in such a way that they use alternative sources of energy such as solar as opposed to fossil fuels used by gasoline cars (Elimam 2017, p. 204). Automakers such as Toyota, Tesla, General Motors, and Mercedes Benz to mention but a few have already started the journey towards the elimination of gasoline cars. Toyota became the first company to launch a fully functional electric car a Hybrid Prius and since then other companies have followed suit including Tesla motors which launched its Tesla Model S in 2008. Electric cars are environmentally friendly in the sense that they use electric engines which are powered by batteries. Electric cars are easy to use, they are quiet and more importantly, they do not emit ozone-damaging greenhouse gases. Additionally, these cars use alternative sources of energy more so the renewable sources (Inomata, Yamada &Tanimoto 2016, p. 19). With the combination of all these features, it is clear that electric cars are the best or use now and in the coming generation. The other fact is that people are demanding cars that will save their pockets when it comes to fueling. Petroleum and fuels are expensive and people spend a lot of money every day to fuel their cars. The invention of electric cars is a relief to all car users globally because fuelling them is cheap and affordable.
The government is also supporting the production of electric cars and this is an indication that policymakers and automobile industry are working together to achieve pollution free universe. Electric cars are considered as the most environmentally conscious automobiles in the world. Countries such as China, Japan, and the USA have banned production of cars which use internal combustion system because they believe that these cars are leading contributors to pollution (Pohl 7 Elmquist 2010, p 81). Vehicle manufacturers who produce electric cars also receive government incentives as a way of encouraging other companies to follow the same direction. There is so much that other industries can learn from the motor vehicle industry. First, environmental conservation is not a task that can be achieved by a single individual or organization. It is a group effort that needs people to come together and work tirelessly to ensure that the future generations will find a safe place to live. Secondly, global warming and climate change do not affect one person or one person. If it occurs, it affects all people on earth regardless of where they are. In this case, all industries should join in the fight against pollution by regulating their production processes and changing where they feel that it is contributing to pollution (Baird 2012, p. 152).
Technological innovations
Technology innovations have been on the rise in the recent past. Every aspect of human activities today depends on technology for effectiveness. Throughout the history of technology, the automobile industry has always been so receptive to technological changes. Technology has completely redefined how cars are manufactured, how they function and how they are maintained. Ford opened the way of using technology in car manufacturing and since then things have never been the same. The future of the automobile is changing at a very high speed in all aspects since hybrid and electric cars are already here with use (Chambers 2017, p. 72). The growth of autonomous technology in this sector and increase in computers has increased mobility and connectivity around the world as the need to control driving decreases. Cars have been invented which do not entirely depend on human beings to manage them but instead, most of the car functions can be operated automatically. One sure thing that is expected to happen in future is that cars will be completely interactive and autonomous and this will make the driving easier than it is today.
One of the things that car manufacturers are committed to achieving using modern technology is to develop cars systems that are autonomous. Some of the autonomous car systems that have been developed so far include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and cruise control. The purpose of inventing these systems is to ensure road safety because they inform the driver of possible collision by assessing the road ahead (Yadav & Szpytko 2017, p. 165). Besides, the autonomous Emergency break can break automatically if no action is taken hence preventing collision with an oncoming car. Road accidents have claimed millions of lives all over the world to failed brakes or driver’s carelessness. If these safety systems are installed in future modern cars then many lives will be saved and all thanks to technology. Another essential car system that is accredited to technological innovations is adaptive cruise control (ACC). The ACC uses some cameras to analyze the surrounding environment of the car although these systems vary from one company to the other (Wolny 2017, p. 40). The radar sensors adjust the car speed according to the distance between the car and the vehicles ahead. The ACC is only designed to support the drivers regulate the car speed as they tend to decelerate according to the distance separating the two vehicles. Some systems even bring the driver to a stop if it is necessary and they will allow the car to start moving again if the driver touches the resume motion. Despite the fact that this system is not completely autonomous, foundations have already been laid to ensure that in future, cars will be completely autonomous (Elimam 2017, p. 226).
The invention of parking sensors also known as backup cameras may not be a high-tech technology but it has prevented drivers from running into small things that may not be visible in the driveway. Before, drivers had to turn back their heads and look back before packing. Some still think that this is a cool idea but with the invention of backup cameras, parking as become easier than before. These cameras help save car bumper and increase its longevity. The other feature that may not seem hi-tech but influences the sale of cars is ambient interior lighting. This feature is standard in high-end luxury car model such as Mercedes Benz S-class. Ambient interior lighting can be adjusted into different colors depending on what color the user prefers (Wang & Xu 2010, p. 319). This makes the car appear more of a high-tech club rather than just a regular car. This feature has made it way in the car market and manufacturers are realizing the importance of it because customers seem to be interested in this feature because it is fun. The invention of smartphone dashboard is another technological innovation that has made the life of car users more exciting. Before technology advancement, people were limited to using only Bluetooth and USB to connect their smartphones and the cars. However, the invention of smartphone dashboards this hustle has been reduced because this feature enables drivers to read their phone messages and to listen to music from the phone with one interface through the stereo system. With technologies such as Google Android Auto and Apple Car Play, it means that people can access their phones from the driver’s seat with ease.
Although technology has not fully transformed automobiles from manual to autonomous, a lot has already been achieved. Technology is something that is going to be here even in future. Therefore, using it effectively will make life easier and comfortable for all people. It is crucial for other sectors to also embrace technology and use it for the benefit of all people. Technology is crucial in the health sector, education, and even businesses. All that is required to realize the full potential of the technology is to enjoy the benefits while working to eradicate the adverse effects (Wolny 2017, p. 39)
Economic growth
The automobile industry which has been operating for more than 100 years is a significant economic and industrial force worldwide. The industry is a source of employment for millions of people who benefit directly who indirectly from the industry. Millions of cars, Lorries, and trucks which are manufactured every year have been consuming million litres of fuels ever since these cars started to be functional. The motor vehicle industry has been a source of income for local governments for a long of time through taxes (Sierzchula et al. 2012, p. 84). Despite the fact that some of the automobile companies are struggling with competition and low profitability, the automobile industry is still relevant and influential. Much has already been discussed about how the automobile industry has impacted the environment and what is being done to stop this. However, cars have benefited the economy in different ways, and some of them are discussed below.
Creation of employment is one of how the automobile industry has impacted the economy. More than 4 million people worldwide are employed in automobile companies and plants where they get reasonable salaries, bonuses and allowances. Although it is of the essence to acknowledge that jobs have been declining in American-based automakers, thousands of Americans continue to get their daily bread from this industry (Dijk & Yarime 2010, p. 209). Lack of employment is one of the issues that have been affecting many people worldwide. Job seekers have exceeded the available job opportunities and there is no place to accommodate them anymore. Unemployment is associated with many problems such as poverty, low living standards, and increase in criminal activities.
The demand for cars has been increasing over the recent past. Due to this fact, car leasing companies have emerged to cater for those people who cannot afford to buy a car. Car services such as uber have also developed to serve customers without a short period of time. Additionally, vehicles make up the highest percent of transport for human movement and commercial services. If it were not the invention of cars people would have a hard time moving from one place (Zu Fredendall & Douglas 2008, p. 327). A vehicle is a useful asset which has contributed to economic growth in various ways especially when used in the development of small businesses. Even after the initial purchase, cars need maintenance and servicing and this continues to cost the owner money thus increased economic impact. Fuelling, repairing and car insurance services are all additional costs which cost the car owners a lot of money and at the same create opportunities for other people. Cars require fuel and in this case, there must be petrol stations to take care of this need. In case of accidents, cars require repair and this has created an opportunity for the establishment of car garages. Vehicles need to be insured to operate in a country and in this case, insurance companies thrive as they take care of car owners (Christensen& Raynor 2013, p. 116). In countries such as the United States, Germany, Japan, China, and France, car export is crucial in maintaining balance in the international market. For most of the industrialized nations, car manufacturing has become an element of economic growth. In fact, in some of these countries, development of automobile industry is an indicator of economic growth. Notably, the automobile industry has also contributed to the growth of other industries such as steel and rubber manufacturing industries.
Conclusion
Many people and nations alike have benefited from the production of automobiles whether it is directly or indirectly. The automobile industry has really changed in so many ways such that it is easy to predict where the industry will be in the next few years. For so many years, people have been looking for a solution to end environmental pollution and it is a clear indication that the automobile industry is almost there. The invention of electric cars is not just technology but a solution to pollution which is a menace that is threatening human life. As other industries produce many products today to meet human demand, they should first think if their products are environmentally friendly. Most of the products which hit the market today are not designed in a way that they will conserve the environment for future use. Additionally, technology has also contributed to the growth and development of automobile whereby almost all automobile companies are heading towards producing cars which are autonomous. This means that future cars will not have to depend on human beings to operate. The world is heading towards the right direction and it means if pollution is eliminated and technology is fully utilized then this planet will be a better place to be. Other industries must emulate the automobile industry and join hands to fight pollution and at the same time utilize the opportunities that are presented by technology to make the world a better place for all people.
References
Baird, D. 2012. Lessons from the Automobile Reorganizations. Journal of Legal Analysis, 4(1), pp.271-300.
Chambers, C. 2017. News Comment: Money & Markets – Transport: Powering electric cars needs innovation and investment. Engineering & Technology, 12(2), pp.15-15.
Christensen, C. M. and Raynor, M. 2013 The innovator’s solution: creating and sustaining successful growth. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Review Press.
Dijk, M. and Yarime, M. 2010. The emergence of hybrid-electric cars: Innovation path creation through co-evolution of supply and demand. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 77(8), pp.1371-1390.
Elimam, H. 2017. How Green Economy Contributes in Decreasing the Environment Pollution and Misuse of the Limited Resources? Environment and Pollution, 6(1), p.10.
Gangyan, L. 2017. The Intelligence Braking and the Pneumatic Automatic Braking System for Autonomous Vehicles. International Robotics & Automation Journal, 3(4).
Identification of Barriers to Flexible Manufacturing System in Automobile Industry. 2018. International Journal of Modern Trends in Engineering & Research, 5(2), pp.99-103.
Inomata, S., Yamada, H. and Tanimoto, H. 2016. Investigation on VOC Emissions from Automobile Sources by Means of Online Mass Spectrometry. Current Pollution Reports, 2(3), pp.188-199.
Jürgens, U. and Krzywdzinski, M. 2009. Work models in the Central Eastern European car industry: towards the high road? Industrial Relations Journal, 40(6), pp.471-490.
PEI, X. 2012. Multi-mode Switching Controller for Vehicle Adaptive Cruise Control System. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 48(10), p.96.
Pohl, H. and Elmquist, M. 2010. Radical innovation in a small firm: a hybrid electric vehicle development project at Volvo Cars. R&D Management, 40(4), pp.372-382.
PRATTEN, C. and SILBERSTON, A. 2009. INTERNATIONAL COMPARISONS OF LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY, 1950-1965. Bulletin of the Oxford University Institute of Economics & Statistics, 29(4), pp.373-394.
Showi, A. 2018. Automobile Industry: Past, Present and Future. SSRN Electronic Journal.
Sierzchula, W., Bakker, S., Maat, K. and van Wee, B. 2012. Technological diversity of emerging eco-innovations: a case study of the automobile industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 37, pp.211-220.
Slack, N. and Brandon-Jones, A. 2018 Operations and process management: principles and practice for strategic impact. Fifth edition. Harlow, England: Pearson
Wang, Y. and Xu, Q. 2010. Evaluation of Green Technology Innovation Capacity of Automobile Manufacture Industry. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 44-47, pp.206-212.
Wolny, S. 2017. Braking Distance of Hoist Conveyances Required for Safe Stopping Under the Conditions of Emergency Braking. Archives of Mining Sciences, 62(2).
Yadav, A. and Szpytko, J. 2017. Safety problems in vehicles with adaptive cruise control system. Journal of KONBiN, 42(1).
Yusoof, S., Iylia, F., Zuber, F., MNSR, H., Zamziba, N. and Toriry, S. 2016. Relationship Between Economic, Political and Technology Factors: Case Study on Toyota Company. International Journal of Academic Research in Public Policy and Governance, 3(1).
Zu, X., Fredendall, L. D. and Douglas, T. J. 2008 ‘The evolving theory of quality management: The role of Six Sigma’, Journal of Operations Management, 26(5), pp. 630–650.
Essay Writing Service Features
Our Experience
No matter how complex your assignment is, we can find the right professional for your specific task. Contact Essay is an essay writing company that hires only the smartest minds to help you with your projects. Our expertise allows us to provide students with high-quality academic writing, editing & proofreading services.
Free Features
Free revision policy
$10Free bibliography & reference
$8Free title page
$8Free formatting
$8How Our Essay Writing Service Works
First, you will need to complete an order form. It's not difficult but, in case there is anything you find not to be clear, you may always call us so that we can guide you through it. On the order form, you will need to include some basic information concerning your order: subject, topic, number of pages, etc. We also encourage our clients to upload any relevant information or sources that will help.
Complete the order form
Once we have all the information and instructions that we need, we select the most suitable writer for your assignment. While everything seems to be clear, the writer, who has complete knowledge of the subject, may need clarification from you. It is at that point that you would receive a call or email from us.
Writer’s assignment
As soon as the writer has finished, it will be delivered both to the website and to your email address so that you will not miss it. If your deadline is close at hand, we will place a call to you to make sure that you receive the paper on time.
Completing the order and download