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Cars Changing Lives Timeline

  • First car is invented

    First car is invented
    Karl Benz of Austria invented the first automobile, powered by an internal combustion engine. This early vehicle only had 3 wheels!
  • Model T begins production (1908-1927)

    Model T begins production (1908-1927)
    Ford's Model T was sold for an inexpensive price since it was built by assembly line. This vehicle could reach speeds around 45 mph.
  • First car radio

    First car radio
    In 1930 the first car radio was created. Driving could be done to music via AM frequency, making long drives more entertaining/manageable.
  • Air conditioning system added

    Air conditioning system added
    The Chrysler Imperial was the first car to be produced with an optional air conditioning system. It had 3 settings- low medium, and high.
  • Cruise control created

    Cruise control created
    This system helps drivers to keep a constant speed without using the accelerator, making driving steady much easier- especially on highways!
  • Seatbelts!

    Seatbelts!
    This life saving invention was not added as a feature of cars until 1959! There were no laws requiring the use of seatbelts until 1989.
  • Airbags

    Airbags
    Like the seatbelt, this safety feature was added surprisingly recently! (Originally just for drivers, but now found all around the car)
  • Reversing camera invented

    Reversing camera invented
    Small cameras are added to the back of cars to stream live footage to the driver, preventing reversing mishaps and helping to parallel park!
  • Early autopilot

    Early autopilot
    The first autopilot technology was offered in the Tesla Model S. This autopilot can steer the car and change lanes for you!
  • Self-driving cars?

    Self-driving cars?
    The Waymo, Google's self driving car, should be released this year. Its first driverless ride was in 2015: behind the wheel was a blind man!