9 Americans Who Shaped the Automotive Industry 1. Henry Ford (Ford) Founded Ford Motor Company in 1903. Revolutionized manufacturing with the moving assembly line and made cars affordable with the Model T. Introduced the 8-hour workday and fair wages in 1914. 2. Louis Chevrolet (Chevrolet) Swiss-born racer and mechanic who co-founded Chevrolet in 1911. Though he left the company early, his name became one of the most iconic in American cars. 3. Henry Leland (Cadillac) Founded Cadillac in 1902 and later Lincoln. Known for high manufacturing standards and introducing the V8 engine in 1915. 4. John & Horace Dodge (Dodge) Started as parts suppliers for Ford, then launched Dodge in 1914. Built tough, reliable cars before both brothers died in 1920. Dodge was later bought by Chrysler. 5. David Dunbar Buick (Buick) Scottish-born inventor who founded Buick in 1899. Known for developing valve-in-head engines. Though he left the company early, his work laid the foundation for GM. 6. Walter Chrysler (Chrysler) Took over Maxwell Motor Company and launched Chrysler in 1925. Known for innovations like hydraulic brakes. Bought Dodge in 1928 and added Plymouth and DeSoto to the lineup. 7. Ransom E. Olds (Oldsmobile) Started Olds Motor Vehicle Company in 1897. His 1901 Curved Dash was the first mass-produced American car, and he pioneered early assembly line methods. 8. William C. Durant (GM) Founded General Motors in 1908 and Chevrolet in 1911. Built GM into a giant by acquiring brands like Buick and Cadillac. Lost and regained control multiple times. 9. Karl Probst (Jeep) Designed the original Jeep prototype in just five days in 1940 for the U.S. Army. His design led to the most iconic military vehicle of WWII and the modern Jeep.
9 Americans Who Shaped the Automotive Industry
1. Henry Ford (Ford)
Founded Ford Motor Company in 1903. Revolutionized manufacturing with the moving assembly line and made cars affordable with the Model T. Introduced the 8-hour workday and fair wages in 1914.
2. Louis Chevrolet (Chevrolet)
Swiss-born racer and mechanic who co-founded Chevrolet in 1911. Though he left the company early, his name became one of the most iconic in American cars.
3. Henry Leland (Cadillac)
Founded Cadillac in 1902 and later Lincoln. Known for high manufacturing standards and introducing the V8 engine in 1915.
4. John & Horace Dodge (Dodge)
Started as parts suppliers for Ford, then launched Dodge in 1914. Built tough, reliable cars before both brothers died in 1920. Dodge was later bought by Chrysler.
5. David Dunbar Buick (Buick)
Scottish-born inventor who founded Buick in 1899. Known for developing valve-in-head engines. Though he left the company early, his work laid the foundation for GM.
6. Walter Chrysler (Chrysler)
Took over Maxwell Motor Company and launched Chrysler in 1925. Known for innovations like hydraulic brakes. Bought Dodge in 1928 and added Plymouth and DeSoto to the lineup.
7. Ransom E. Olds (Oldsmobile)
Started Olds Motor Vehicle Company in 1897. His 1901 Curved Dash was the first mass-produced American car, and he pioneered early assembly line methods.
8. William C. Durant (GM)
Founded General Motors in 1908 and Chevrolet in 1911. Built GM into a giant by acquiring brands like Buick and Cadillac. Lost and regained control multiple times.
9. Karl Probst (Jeep)
Designed the original Jeep prototype in just five days in 1940 for the U.S. Army. His design led to the most iconic military vehicle of WWII and the modern Jeep.