| 18th Century History |
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Articles and Products of History Birth of CarsJoseph Cugnot built the first car. Cugnot was commissioned by the French government to produce a vehicle to move troops and supplies faster then a horse and wagon. Although very advanced for the 1770s Cugnot tree wheeled vehicle was slow, cumbersome and unreliable. In addition the Cugnot car could only reach a speed of two miles per hour, the horse was still faster so the project was discontinued.
Many historians believe that the first production car was produced in Germany in 1889. The team of Daimler and Maybach produced a two-cylinder engine, which was capable of running on gasoline. Although the car was underpowered and produced only 1.5 horsepower it was still a major advancement. The Daimler engine was reliable, lightweight, and much less expensive to produce then previous engines. The Daimler family would be revolutionaries in the field of engine development. This tradition still continues within the Mercedes Benz auto company. Some of Daimlers great, great grandchildren still work at the factory. Over the next twenty years various automobile companies were formed. Two of the most notable are the Ford and the Olds automotive companies. Henry Ford is credited with producing the assembly line. The assembly line allowed for mass production of automobiles, which in turn lowered the cost of a car. Henry Fords famous Model T first rolled off the production line in 1908. It was Fords dream that every family in America would own a Model T. The improvements in automotive technology have continued. Today autos are computerized, with many of their functions being controlled by mini computers. Todays luxury cars are different product then what Henry Ford envisioned but I think he would be happy. Who doesnt want to ride in a new Mustang or Corvette? Whatever your favorite car drive responsibly and wear your seatbelt. See you on the road. Further Reading
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