Why is it called automotive?
Origin of the Term "Automotive"
The word "automotive" is derived from two root words:
- Auto- (Greek: 'autos') meaning "self"
- -motive (Latin: 'motivus') meaning "of motion" or "capable of moving"
When combined, "automotive" essentially means "self-moving" or "capable of moving by itself." The term began to be used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to describe vehicles that could move without being pulled by horses or other animals. In other words, these were self-propelled vehicles, powered by engines rather than external forces.
Usage in the Industry
Today, "automotive" is commonly used as an adjective referring to anything related to automobiles (cars, trucks, etc.) and the broader vehicle industry, including design, production, and operation.