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Automotive vs. Automobile — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
An Automotive pertains to vehicles and their industry, while an Automobile is a self-propelled road vehicle designed for transporting passengers.
Automotive vs. Automobile — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Automotive and Automobile

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Key Differences

Both Automotive and Automobile are terms associated with vehicles, but they have different applications and contexts. Automotive is an adjective that relates to motor vehicles, encompassing everything from the design and production to the sale of vehicles. On the contrary, an Automobile is a noun referring to a specific type of motor vehicle, namely a car designed to carry passengers on streets and highways.
In industries and trades, Automotive can refer to anything related to vehicles, including parts, maintenance, and the industry as a whole. However, when someone mentions an Automobile, they're distinctly talking about a car or a similar four-wheeled vehicle designed for passenger transport.
To further understand, consider the Automotive industry, which includes trucks, buses, and even motorcycles in its domain. In contrast, an Automobile would exclude motorcycles but might encompass sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks.
Lastly, when discussing careers or sectors, one might work in the Automotive field, which implies a broader scope of jobs, from design to sales. However, owning an Automobile refers specifically to possession of a car.

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Adjective
Noun
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Refers To

Related to vehicles and their industry
A specific type of motor vehicle, typically a passenger car

Industry Association

Broader scope including design, manufacturing, sales, etc.
Refers to the specific category of cars

Examples

Automotive parts, automotive design
Sedan, SUV, hatchback

Usage

Descriptive of anything vehicle-related
Specific vehicle type

Compare with Definitions

Automotive

Associated with or involving motor vehicles.
The city's Automotive expo showcases global innovations.

Automobile

A self-propelled passenger vehicle.
She bought a new Automobile last week.

Automotive

Pertaining to the design, manufacture, or sale of cars.
Innovative Automotive design leads to more efficient vehicles.

Automobile

A motorized vehicle for carrying passengers.
His first Automobile was a vintage classic.

Automotive

Descriptive of the vehicle sector or industry.
There's a job fair for Automotive professionals next month.

Automobile

A wheeled vehicle operated by an engine.
Electric Automobiles are becoming more popular.

Automotive

Moving by itself; self-propelling or self-propelled.

Automobile

A road vehicle with seating for multiple passengers.
The Automobile industry is undergoing rapid transformation.

Automotive

Of or relating to self-propelled vehicles.

Automobile

A car designed for transport on roads.
The Automobile broke down on the highway.

Automotive

Having the ability to move by itself; self-propelled or self-propelling.

Automobile

A self-propelled passenger vehicle that usually has four wheels and an internal-combustion engine, used for land transport. Also called motorcar.

Automotive

Of, or relating to motor vehicles.

Automobile

Of or relating to automobiles; automotive.

Automotive

A shop or company that sells motor vehicle parts

Automobile

A type of vehicle designed to move on the ground under its own stored power and intended to carry a driver, a small number of additional passengers, and a very limited amount of other load. A car or motorcar.

Automotive

Of or pertaining to the automobile.

Automobile

To travel by automobile.

Automotive

Containing within itself the means of propulsion or movement.

Automobile

Self-moving; self-propelled.

Automotive

Of or relating to motor vehicles;
Automotive supplies

Automobile

A self-propelled vehicle used for transporting passengers, suitable for use on a street or roadway. Many diferent models of automobiles have beenbuilt and sold commercially, possessing varied features such as a retractable roof (in a convertible), different braking systems, different propulsion systems, and varied styling. Most models have four wheels but some have been built with three wheels. Automobiles are usually propelled by internal combustion engines (using volatile inflammable liquids, as gasoline or petrol, alcohol, naphtha, etc.), and sometimes by steam engines, or electric motors. The power of the driving motor varies from under 50 H. P. for earlier models to over 200 H. P. larger models or high-performance sports or racing cars. An automobile is commonly called a car or an auto, and generally in British usage, motor cars.

Automotive

Containing within itself the means of propulsion or movement;
A self-propelled vehicle

Automobile

To travel in an automobile.

Automotive

Relating to motor vehicles.
The Automotive industry has seen major technological advancements.

Automobile

4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine;
He needs a car to get to work

Automotive

Concerned with vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine.
Automotive technology is shifting towards sustainability.

Automobile

Travel in an automobile

Common Curiosities

Is the Automotive sector the same as the Automobile sector?

The Automotive sector is broader, including all vehicle-related areas. The Automobile sector is more specific to cars.

Is Automotive only used as an adjective?

Yes, Automotive is primarily an adjective describing things related to vehicles, while Automobile is a noun.

Why is it called an Automobile club and not Automotive club?

Automobile clubs are often for car enthusiasts, thus the specific term. If it were Automotive, it might imply a broader vehicle interest.

Can an Automobile showroom sell bikes?

Typically, an Automobile showroom refers to a car dealership. Bikes might be at a separate or specialized dealership.

Are all Automotive companies Automobile manufacturers?

Not necessarily. Automotive companies can be involved in parts, services, or other vehicle types, not just Automobile manufacturing.

How is Automotive engineering different from Automobile engineering?

Automotive engineering covers all vehicles, including trucks and bikes. Automobile engineering focuses specifically on cars.

Can Automobile refer to motorcycles?

No, an Automobile typically refers to cars, not two-wheelers, while Automotive can encompass both.

Can trucks be called Automobiles?

While technically motor vehicles, trucks aren't commonly referred to as Automobiles which are typically passenger cars.

Are electric cars considered Automobiles?

Yes, electric cars are a type of Automobile, and the broader industry they fall under is Automotive.

Does Automotive industry include airplane manufacturing?

No, the Automotive industry pertains to ground vehicles, while Automobile refers specifically to cars.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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