'automotive' originates from Greek and Latin, specifically the Greek word 'autós' and the Latin word 'motivus' (from 'movere'), where 'aut-' meant 'self' and 'motivus' meant 'moving (related to motion)'.

'automotive' was formed in English in the late 19th century by combining the prefix 'auto-' (from Greek 'autós', via French/Latin usage) with the element related to Latin 'motivus' (motive), giving rise to the adjective 'automotive'.

Initially it conveyed the idea of 'self-moving' or 'self-propelled'; over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to motor vehicles or their manufacture'.