Towards Sustainable Road Transport

Chapter 4

Development of Road Vehicles with Internal-Combustion Engines

Abstract

This chapter outlines the mode of construction and operation of conventional road vehicles with the emphasis on cars. The principal engineering advances of the 20th and early 21st centuries are described, including developments in body design and assembly, improvements in engine performance, transmissions, suspensions, steering, brakes, safety, and all the components and accessories that make the modern automobile so reliable, comfortable and affordable.

Keywords

Accessories; Body design; Brakes; Car; Early developments; Engines and transmissions; Exhaust system; Safety; Steering; Suspension

4.1. Early days of the motor industry

During the last decade of the 19th century, ...