What is the history of automobiles? This article explores the inventions of Benz, Ford, and General Motors. And we also discuss the Model T, the first automobile manufactured in the United States. Let’s take a look at what’s behind the invention of automobiles. This is a timely article, as we begin the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Model T. But before we get to the history of automobiles, let’s review how they’ve changed our lives.
Benz’s inventions
The Motorwagen, a model of the first automobile, was a novel and difficult-to-control machine. Its first test drive took place in Mannheim, Germany on July 3, 1886. Then, gasoline was only available in pharmacies and was also used for cleaning. Because of the lack of motorized roads in Mannheim, the Motorwagen was limited in terms of its use. The car underwent two iterations, including a Model II and Model III. Benz eventually sold his first vehicle in 1888, but the Motorwagen struggled to find a market.
General Motors
General Motors is one of the oldest and most successful American automakers. It once had nearly 50 percent of the U.S. market share and was the world’s largest automaker. Currently, the company sells cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles. In recent years, the company has been trying to shift towards more environmentally friendly electric vehicles. In 2017, it debuted the Chevrolet Bolt, the company’s first all-electric vehicle.
Ford
The Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. It was founded by Henry Ford on June 16, 1903. The company produces automobiles under the Ford and Lincoln brands and also sells luxury vehicles under the Lincoln brand. Ford’s range of automobiles spans the entire spectrum of vehicle styles, from compact cars to luxury sedans. A Ford is the company’s most popular vehicle, and many people choose it for its affordable and high-quality interiors, styling, and quality.
General Motors’ Model T
Before the establishment of industry standards, hundreds of automakers had entered the business, all seeking to establish a beachhead and dominate the market. In fact, the year 1909 saw the largest number of automakers, with over 500 firms operating. Ford had been leading the pack, but the Model T’s yearlong changeover caused the company to slip to second place. By the 1920s, production had doubled to millions. Ultimately, the Model T became one of the most popular cars ever produced.
General Motors’ Chevrolet
The Chevrolet is a popular American automobile. Although it’s official name is the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors, the name “Chevy” is also the colloquial name. The Chevrolet is the second-best-selling vehicle in the United States, and the Chevrolet brand is also one of the most popular in the world. Its predecessors were called Buicks and Oldsmobiles, but the Chevrolet brand has become a household name for its superior performance.
General Motors’ Cadillac
When General Motors acquired the Cadillac Automobile Company, they did so with the intention of creating the ultimate luxury vehicle. The company paid $4.5 million for the brand, making it one of the most expensive cars in the country. However, LaSalle sales fell from 22,691 in 1929 to just 3,290 in 1932. It was a shame, because Cadillac was the flagship brand of the luxury car segment and should have remained more exclusive.
Mercedes-Benz
The history of Mercedes-Benz begins in the 19th century. The Daimler-Benz company produced automobiles and buses in Germany and France. After World War II, Daimler-Benz expanded production to the international market, bringing the Mercedes-Benz name to a number of countries. It also began to use foreign resources to produce cars and trucks. By the 1950s, Daimler-Benz had established a global distribution network, including plants in Brazil, India, and Argentina.