
100 Years of
Automobile Evolution
1901-1920
The period from 1901 to 1920 marked the **birth of the modern automobile**, with rapid technological advancements and mass production revolutionizing transportation. Early cars were often **hand-built**, featuring **simple designs, large spoked wheels, and open-top bodies**. The **introduction of the assembly line**—pioneered by **Henry Ford in 1913**—made cars more affordable and accessible, shifting them from luxury items to everyday necessities.
During this era, **internal combustion engines** replaced steam and electric vehicles as the dominant technology. Iconic models like the **Ford Model T (1908-27)** set new standards for reliability and affordability, while luxury brands like **Rolls-Royce** and **Cadillac** focused on refinement and performance. European manufacturers, such as **Mercedes-Benz**, continued to push boundaries in automotive engineering.
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