The history of automobiles goes back as far as the nineteenth century. Karl Benz, a German inventor, first created the modern automobile in 1886 using a four-stroke internal combustion engine. He then began manufacturing automobiles, starting the first mass-produced car in 1888. Since then, many people around the world have enjoyed the benefits of owning an automobile. There are also many other fascinating stories about the automobiles that are still in use today, including the first electric car, the Ford Model N, and other classic cars.
Ford Motor Company
The Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automobile manufacturer with headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. It was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and is one of the world’s largest car companies, selling a wide range of vehicles under the Ford brand name and the Lincoln luxury brand. Its cars are sold worldwide under various brands including Lincoln, Fusion, and Mercury. Here’s a look at the history of the company. What’s it all about?
In the 1950s, Ford began to diversify by acquiring electronics company Philco. It then refocused its attention on automotive concerns during the 1990s. This strategy included purchasing Jaguar, the Volvo division, the Land Rover brand, and the Mazda Motor Corporation. Despite the numerous acquisitions, the company still managed to avoid government bailouts and bankruptcy in 2008.
General Motors Corporation
In the 1960s, Detroit experienced a riot that forced GM management to recognize urban poverty. Afterwards, GM continued to grow and diversify its interests, expanding into home appliances, locomotives, electronics, ball bearings, banking, and finance. In addition, it increased its return on invested capital to 25.8 percent, while reducing its costs. Now, GM faces a new challenge: increasing its profitability.
In 1911, the company created an executive committee and central staff of specialists to oversee the company. The Automotive Executive Committee will focus on business results, products, brands, and customers. In the new GM, Bob Lutz is a vice chairman who will oversee GM’s marketing. He will report to Henderson and the newly formed executive committee. The changes are meant to improve GM’s efficiency and responsiveness to changing market conditions. In order to meet its new challenges, the board has reformed its structure and restructured its organizational structure.
Ford Model N
The Ford Motor Company introduced the Model N in 1906. It was a four-cylinder, 15 horsepower car with a front-mounted engine and a two-speed planetary transmission. The Model N was also the first American car to use internal expanding brakes. The Model N cost $500 when it was introduced. The engine was made of lightweight vanadium steel and was mounted under a square-shaped hood in front of the driver. The crankshaft was placed at the front end of the engine and had fan-like spokes. The car’s top speed was in the 40s and was not overly impressive, but it was reliable.
Although both the Model T and the Model N had similar features, the N was a bit cheaper. It sold for $500 at the time, making it cheaper than the curved-dash Oldsmobile. Other features were listed, including twin side oil lamps, a horn, and leather upholstery. Fuel capacity was a modest 10 gallons, good for about 200 miles on rough roads. The Model N also came with a rear window wiper for easier cleaning.
General Motors
GM is an American multinational automotive manufacturing company based in Detroit, Michigan. For 77 years, General Motors ruled the auto industry, but it lost the number one spot in 2008 to Toyota. It’s still one of the largest automakers in the world, though. Here are some interesting facts about GM. Founded in 1908, the General Motors Company was one of the world’s most influential companies. Despite its success, the company has a long way to go before it regains its former position as the world’s largest automaker.
During the 1950s, the company continued to grow along with the American economy. It held between 40 and 45 percent of the U.S. automotive market, and by the 1960s, it had expanded into other industries, such as aerospace. In addition to the automobile business, General Motors also acquired other businesses, including Electronic Data Systems Corporation, and Hughes Aircraft Company. However, the most significant changes in the company’s history happened after 1990.