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U.S. Automobile Manufacturing in the Twenty-First Century

2024-03-02 20:15:08

The technological innovation of automobiles had a great social and economic impact on the United States. In the early 20th century, Henry Ford was known for the establishment of the Ford Motor Company, and five years after he founded the company, he launched its first model T (History.com , 2013). During this period, this car was considered a luxury car and sold 10,000 model T cars (History.com, 2013). In the 21st century, cars are no longer luxuries, but now essential. In addition, the practices of the automobile industry and organizations have changed since the 20th century due to technological, economic and social changes (Greer, 2001).

Automotive technology existed in the 19th century, but Henry Ford spent a lot of time to make American citizens use this handy gadget. Ford used the idea of ​​the automobile manufacturing assembly line. When most workers go home, he wants workers to improve their productivity and pays an unprecedented $ 5. In addition, they may use higher incomes to buy new cars. Ford reduced selection and even said the public could choose any color car they want - as long as it is black. Model T was sold for $ 490 in 1914, which is about a quarter of the cost of the past decade. By 1920, there were over 8 million registered. In the 1920s, ownership of cars increased dramatically, and the number of drivers registered by the end of the decade almost tripled to 23 million.

Drivers are not the only ones to benefit from cars. Automobile manufacturers hire workers to assemble cars. "The number of people employed in companies in the automobile and equipment manufacturing industry peaked in the 1970s, about 1 million - twice that employed in 1929" (Hess 9). Thousands of Americans will be unemployed if the car does not exist. American scenery is also affected by cars. In the 1960s heavy-duty trucks came to be used in public transportation. Highways and interstate highways are laid out so that many trucks and car drivers can arrive at their destination quickly. An interstate freeway system has been established. Without a car, these roads and fast transportation will not show up. The Cold War at the time was also a major factor influencing President Eisenhower's support for this system. He wants a faster and more efficient way to travel by car.

By the beginning of the 20th century, cars began to take the place of cars. Many companies manufacture automobiles, but the automotive industry is full of challenges. Therefore, the price is high and the production volume is low. Vehicle cost was reduced by mass production technology in the mid-1910s, and sales increased sharply. By 1919, the number of registered vehicles was 6.6 million and the number of registered trucks was 898,000. When horses are exchanged for cars and trucks, large quantities of horse fertilizer and urine are eliminated in the streets of the city, the cleanliness of the street is greatly reduced, hygiene condition and living environment are improved. Reduce the number of horses to be transported in all farmlands from one sixth to one quarter