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Definition of an Automobile

• The word automobile comes from the Ancient Greek word 'AUTOC (autos, "self") and the Latin word 'mobilis ("movable") meaning a vehicle that moves itself, rather than being pulled or pushed

• Automobiles are generally considered to be consisting of two major assemblies: chassis and body.

• A vehicle without a body is called Chassis. Automotive Chassis is a French term and was initially used to denote the frame or main structure of a vehicle. It is also known as carrying unit.

• The chassis can be classified as follows:

1. According to the Fitting of Engine

   1. Semi-forward Chassis:
      In this type, the engine is fitted between the driver cabin and outside the driver cabin. like in Standard, Bedford pick up. It provides better visibility.

   2. Full forward Chassis:
      Full forward chassis is that the engine is fitted outside the driver cabin or seat like in cars and old TATA trucks. In this type of arrangement, the driver seat is far enough from the front wheels and is not able to see in front of the vehicle.

   3. Conventional or Bus Chassis:
      In this type, the whole engine is fitted in the driver's cabin. The drive is given to the rear wheels.

   4. Front Engine Chassis:
      In most of the vehicles, the engine is fitted infront of the chassis. The drive is given to the front wheels.

   5. Rear Engine Chassis:
      Engine may also be fitted at rear portion of the vehicle like in Volkswagen and Tata Nano car. This arrangement does not require long propeller shaft. Gearbox and differential are combined in one unit. Normally transverse engine arrangement is used.

   6. Centre Engine Chassis:
      The engine may also be fitted at center of the chassis. This arrangement is use in the "Royal Tiger" world master buses of Delhi transport, the engines are fitted at center of the chassis.

2. According to the Number of Driving Wheels:

   1. 4 x 2 drive chassis:
      It consists of 4 wheels out of which 2 wheel is connected to the engine.

   2. 4 x 4 drive chassis:
      It consists of 4 wheels and all wheel is connected to the engine.

   3. 6 x 2 drive chassis:
      It consists of 6 wheels out of which 2 wheel is connected to the engine.

   4. 6 x 4 drive chassis:
      It consists of 6 wheels out of which 4 wheel is connected to the engine.

   5. 6 x 6 drive chassis:
      It consists of 6 wheels and all wheel is connected to the engine.

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