What is your all time favorite automobile?
It is a reflective account of a septuagenarian’s journey through the evolution of transportation, emphasising his passion for driving. He relishes long drives, appreciating nature’s beauty, and shares nostalgic experiences with traditional transportation like bullock carts and bicycles. The advent of automobiles revolutionised travel, providing convenience and speed. Over time, scooters and motorcycles gained popularity due to their efficiency, though motorcycles were preferred for their versatility. The rise of affordable cars, notably small cars, transformed family travel. These vehicles contributed significantly to the economy. Still, they raised concerns about pollution. The future seems promising with electric and hydrogen-fueled vehicles on the horizon.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article discusses the love of driving and how it evolves from horsedrawn vehicles to modern cars.
- It highlights how the demand for efficient transportation led to the evolution of bicycles and then automobiles.
- The rise of cars in India, particularly the impact of Maruti Suzuki, marks a significant change in consumer habits.
- While cars became a necessity and improved accessibility, they also contributed to increasing pollution levels.
- Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of safe driving and future innovations like electric and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles.
Love of driving
He enjoys slowly sliding down on a good road, sitting behind the steering wheel. It is his favourite pastime. He likes taking long drives, sometimes with his spouse, and sometimes alone. With a free mind, he drives slowly. Without any strain of reaching the destination, he soaks in and appreciates the natural beauty. The rustic ambience, verdant countryside, and people working in their fields are soul-soothing. It replenishes energy and vigour. (Travel India)
(a) Enjoying Nature
While driving and enjoying, his thoughts wander far and wide. Thinking about various things, he intermittently soliloquises. He appreciates nature and the beauty of the rising and setting sun, and enjoys conversing with the different natural elements. Driving automobiles gives him immense joy. It took him back in time when automobiles were a luxury. People used to travel with carts and often by train.
Vehicles evolved
A septuagenarian, he has seen evolutions of transportation and the class of vehicles. People used slow means of transportation like bullock carts for visiting places. Horse-driven carts, “Ekka” and “Tonga”, were widely used. Horses were also used to carry individuals.
(a) Travelling on “Ekka”
Travelling on dirt roads riding on an “Ekka” used to give a unique experience. The vast expanse of green fields dotted with mango orchards and a shroud of deep silence looked very attractive. The rhythmic clip-clop of horse hooves pulling the “Ekka” would add musical notes to the journey. Mingling harmoniously with the conversation of people riding on it, clip-clop would produce a serene musical background.
(b) Bicycles
Mechanisation of vehicles started with bicycles. The story of the bicycle is interesting, but it falls outside the scope of this discourse. Suffice it to say that it took a long time for a velocipede to become a safety bicycle. Initially, bicycles were a luxury. With the expansion of the city boundary, it became a necessity. He used to go to nearby places using his bicycle. He covered up to fifty kilometres one-sided on his bicycle.
(c) Automobiles
The invention of the internal combustion engine (ICE) opened a new portal for automobiles. They eased city commutation, for they reduced human labour to almost nil. The vehicle moves by the power generated by burning fuel in the engine. It was convenient, fast and easy. Travelling long distances in a short duration of time became easy. Bicycles started losing their sheen. Gradually, bicycles were replaced by automobiles.
Automobiles in cities
City roads were seen flooded with various types of two-wheeler automobiles, like Mopeds, Scooters and Motorcycles. Using ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) technology and changing bodies of automobiles, various classes of vehicles evolved. It included three-wheeler auto-rickshaw, buses, trucks and small four-wheelers. The city traffic became congested.
(a) Scooters
The scooter ride was pleasant. It would swiftly glide on city roads. Mastering the manoeuvring on the roads requires the skill of driving a scooter. It involved changing gears, controlling the speed and using the clutch while driving. It could be learned and honed by practice. To avoid accidents, only a license holder is eligible to drive.
(b) Switching to a scooter
He switched from a bicycle to a scooter. The speed and ease of its operation soon made him a big fan of the scooter. He remembers his old days when he first learned to drive a scooter. At the same time, driving a motorcycle was fun, but due to certain constraints, he never owned a motorcycle. The scooter was his loved possession. He used to visit places of tourist importance riding on it. His scooter eased his commute in the city and on long drives.
(c) Motorcycle and scooter
The expansion of cities and the shortage of time necessitated a more efficient vehicle. Increasing fuel costs and pollution levels pushed it further. Lightweight Motorcycles with small engines and decent fuel consumption started coming in. People prefer Motorcycles over Scooters. The latter started phasing out. Though not completely replaced, their use is shrinking fast. Motorcycles are seen aplenty.
(d) Motorcycles are versatile
Motorcycles are more versatile, powerful and thrilling to use. Enthusiasts take motorcycles for long drives, even for mountain rides. Customising according to their convenience and use, they take it for long rides. The manoeuvrability and more power make them a popular choice of bikers over delicate Scooters. Body shape and styling are yet another factor making them a popular choice. Keeping the craze and demand, the motorcycle manufacturing companies are bringing in more attractive and powerful machines to the market. Driving some kinds of motorcycles is not practical on city roads. Care must be taken while driving on city roads. A proper helmet is absolutely necessary when driving a two-wheeler. A good helmet is easily available online on https://amzn.to/3Lkyxd1.
Inevitable change
Urge for betterment, efficiency and comfort caused yet another change. Although two-wheelers are convenient, swift and economical, they lack some basic features. They are incapable of carrying more than two individuals including the driver. Their use is limited. Two wheelers give no protection from rain, cold and harsh heat. They can’t lug more weight and don’t have space for luggage. People increasingly wanted to spend more time with family and friends. They needed a vehicle that could accommodate the whole family and their luggage, creating demand for a car.
(a) Affordable Cars
Demand for cars gradually increased. Nevertheless, there were limited options to buy a car. In olden times, the cars used to be heavy and big, which consumed more fuel. An affordable car was the need of the time. Maruti Udyog Limited (MUL) filled the void. It took the lead and produced its iconic Maruti 800. The small car instantly caught the attention of common people and became a favourite car for middle-class families. Later, MUL renamed Maruti Suzuki India Limited in 2007.
(b) Changing scenario
The small car became an instant hit in the Indian car market. Increased efficiency and good road conditions, new technology and safety were the key factors that attracted car users. The sales figures started soaring, and Maruti became an automobile giant. Maruti cars are known for their affordability, low ownership cost, easy maintenance and fuel efficiency. Maruti Suzuki is a popular car brand in India. People buy and own it with pride.
(c) Growing car demand
Other than Maruti Suzuki, there are several car brands selling their products aggressively. The international brands have also made their inroads in the Indian automobile sector. Considered expensive cars are now easily available in the Indian market. It has affected the old mindset of people. Now, people take long road trips with their families. They spend quality time with their loved ones, travelling together and enjoying. This has given a significant boost to the economy. Automobiles and tourism have become significant contributors to the economy.
(d) Increasing pollution
The growing demands have some serious concerns as well. The most important and crucial issue is the increasing pollution. The air quality index (AQI) has reached an all-time high. AQI touched the 900 mark in Delhi, which is very dangerous. Cities like Lucknow are reeling under the severe pollution levels. AQI in Lucknow is hovering between 300 – 400. During winter, a thick shroud of smog with zero visibility is frequent. It causes fatal accidents on highways/expressways. Thus, it is important to drive carefully at low speeds in foggy areas. Besides, smog is a great health hazard, and people are suffering from various ill effects of pollution.
Safe car best car
Stern actions have been taken to mitigate the hazardous effects of pollution and improve the AQI. Strict norms have been laid down to stop pollution by increasing the quality of fuel and ethanol blending. Radical changes have been made in cars to cope with it and implement more security measures. Modern cars are more fuel efficient, comfortable and safe. They are stable on roads, and road accidents have come down. Nonetheless, a person’s driving habit plays a crucial role. Rash driving and speeding must be avoided. A slight slip proves fatal. A responsible driving behaviour is all the more necessary. “Drive safe, be safe” should be the mantra for every road user.
Cars emerged as a all-time favourite
Cars are becoming a necessity. They are no longer a luxury. Technological advancements have transformed them into a powerful tool. This tool can swiftly take its owner to the desired destination. New inventions and advancements are making it more comfortable and cost-effective. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a step further in this direction. To popularise EVs, a lot is to be done. On the same token, hydrogen-fuelled vehicles are also making headlines. Soon, they will hit not only headlines but the market as well. The futuristic cars are the need of the time. The research is pointing to the bright future of cars. The crux is their judicious and responsible use. This helps reach the destination quickly and safely while enjoying the drive.
Further readings:
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