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1901-1920

Between **1901 and 1910**, automobiles began to adopt a more standardized layout, with the engine housed under a front bonnet, a central cabin for the driver and passengers, and a rear compartment for luggage. This evolution established the fundamental design principles that would shape modern cars.


  • By the end of the period, mudguards or wings had evolved into purpose-built components designed specifically for automobiles. From a side view, most vehicle contours retained a square, angular profile, reflecting the early engineering priorities of practicality over aerodynamics.

  • Assembly Line (1913): Henry Ford revolutionized the automotive industry by introducing the assembly line, which drastically reduced the time it took to build a car and made vehicles more affordable.

  • After **1915**, automobiles were consistently designed with three main sections: an engine compartment, a passenger cabin, and wheels. Bodywork became smoother and more streamlined, with longer bonnets, standardized wheel designs, and more sculpted wings, reflecting advancements in engineering and aesthetics.

  • Windscreen wipers became a **common feature** on cars in the **early 1900s**. The first known patent for a manually operated wiper was filed by **Mary Anderson in 1903**, and by the **1920s**, wipers were widely adopted as a standard feature on automobiles.

  • By the **1950s**, most cars had **electric wipers**, replacing earlier vacuum-powered systems, which were less reliable. Over time, wipers evolved to include **intermittent settings, rain sensors, and heated blades**, improving visibility and safety in various weather conditions.



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