* The internal combustion engine: Reliable and relatively lightweight internal combustion engines were crucial. Early experiments used steam and electric power, but they were bulky, inefficient, or required extensive infrastructure.
* Mass production techniques: Henry Ford's assembly line revolutionized manufacturing, dramatically reducing the cost and increasing the availability of automobiles.
* Improvements in materials science: Better steels, rubber, and other materials made it possible to build more durable and reliable vehicles.
* Technological advancements in related fields: Improvements in things like carburetors, transmissions, and ignition systems all contributed to better performance and reliability.
While individual inventors made important contributions, it was the convergence of these factors that truly accelerated the development of the practical automobile.
