The automobile industry has had an exciting and exponential growth of the past hundred years. A century ago, cars were just beginning to enter into mainstream production, and the Henry Ford had yet to introduce the industry standard Model T. Now, many people consider a car to be a necessity, and even own more than one.

Henry Ford is the man that most people associate with the early automobile industry. Although he definitely wasn't the first person to build or distribute automobiles, his masterful use of production-line assembly allow the Model T to become the car of choice of the middle-class, hard-working American. The car cost approximately four months' wages, and Ford has been widely attributed with the quote, "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black."

There's no question that automobiles are common place around the world today. With over 590 million passenger cars worldwide, there is approximately one car for every eleven people. However, that ratio is even better in more highly developed countries, where almost every adult owns their own personal car. In fact, over 73 million cars were produced just last year!

Japan leads the world in car production, home to manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Closely following Japan is the United States, with Ford and Chrysler leading the way. China, Germany, and South Korea also making up a significant portion of production. The "Big Five" countries produce over half of the cars in the world.

The high and rising cost of gasoline has forced both automobile owners and producers to take a second look at how their vehicles use the expensive resource. Cars owners are actively looking to burn less gas, by improving their driving habits and trading in their large gas-guzzlers for more economical and environmentally-friendly vehicles. Manufacturers are developing entirely new options to power their vehicles, most pertinently hybrid and electric-powered engines.

Many people consider a fancy car an integral part of their personal identity. Driving a race-striped sports car complete with spoiler and spinners definitely strokes the ego. In this far from ideal world where speed limits govern, this "need for speed" attitude often results in a police ticket.

Cars themselves have evolved a lot since the original, plain Model T. It's safe to say that there is a vehicle to meet every personality. There are commuter cars, trucks, vans, suburbans, and motorcycles. When all of the possible upgrades, add-ons, and paint jobs are considered, it's safe to say that there is a vehicle to meet every personality.

The automobile has not only left an imprint on our own hearts, but also on society as well. Vehicles are expensive to maintain and insure, and millions of dollars are spent building and improving roadways, but the benefits are undeniable. Each person with a driver's license has the independence of on-demand transportation at their convenience. The automobile industry has left its mark on the economy as well, creating jobs for people and helping them get there. It's certainly a lot more convenient that walking, riding a bicycle, or sharing public transportation.

Modern society takes the car industry for granted. Not all that long ago, cars were a new-age science fiction object that only the rich could afford. Thanks to the continuing evolution of the industry, it's safe to say we'll be taking advantage of this convenient method of travel for years to come.