What do cars represent to you? Freedom. Speed. Desire. The automotive industry represents what it means to be an American and is a part of the American dream. Booming at the beginning of its time, the car became an industry leader in innovation and influence. It has created trends that have affected our culture and social standards and, ultimately, affects each and everyone of us everyday. Buying a car was my first big investment ever and many of my greatest memories involved a car, whether it was taking a road trip with some friends or a Sunday morning drive to church with my family. I believe that we can more easily understand American history by looking at the car industry. That is why I have decided to create a visual narrative timeline of key themes and events that have occurred in the industry and how they have affected America and, even more, the World. Envisioning the future of the automotive industry may be a tough task, but by educating ourselves about its past, we can better illustrate its future.