CH. 13 - World of Wheels

"The Vehicle City"

Flint. It was that fastest growing motor city after Durant created General Motors and brought other supporting businesses to the area.

"Factory authorized service"

Otherwise known as a mechanic. This service helped to protect the purchaser's investment.

Walter P. Chrysler

Previously vice-president of General Motors, he became president of the nearly bankrupt Maxwell-Briscoe Motor Company. He restored it financially and changed it into the Chrysler Corporation. He introduced luxurious cars like the Plymouth and DeSoto.

American Motors Corporation

The youngest company formed by mergers of several old companies created the Essex; the first fully enclosed car.

James H. Whiting

Took control of the Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company and renamed it to the Buick Motor Company. He hired William Crapo Durant in 1904 and became successful in the automobile business.

"Tin Lizzie"

The car that made Henry Ford famous. Created in 1908 it was 1,200 pounds and cost $850. He sold 25,000 in the first year. This was his Model T marketed as the "farmer's car."

"Billy" Durant

A "planning wizard" and "marketing genius" who reversed the downfall of Buick. He talked to farmers to create the perfect "peoples car." In addition, he entered his cars into races which the cars continually placed first. Durant bought over 30 companies and created General Motors. He lost the company to the bank but got and became company head.

David D. Buick

A Scottish immigrant who was an inventor. He founded the Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company which failed financially and was bought by James H. Whiting. He could not make any financial profit, was removed from head of company, and died a pauper in 1929.

The Dearborn Independent

An antisemitism newspaper created by Henry Ford. It published 91 articles of "The International Jew: The World's Problem." Hitler complimented Ford saying that he was "the one great man in America."

Automobile's effects on society

Automobiles created widespread decline in respect for the law, a change in smoking habits, a decline in moral, smaller houses, the rising of women's skirts, the thriving of tourism, creation of motels, weakening of family ties, and creation of factory towns.

Alfred M. Sloan

Became president of General Motors in 1923. He implemented the "status ladder" which catered to the desires and egos of consumers. They would start with regular cars and work their way up to the luxurious. Ford was angry saying that the only reason GM trumped Ford sales was because of the constant different models.

Olds' "Mobile"

Created by Ransome E. Olds in 1897. From here, olds marketed a design that barely sold. Following which, Olds created his "Dream car" which gained popularity. His main demographic were females. His car was the first to issue a sales manual which included the famous "don't list."

Ransome E. Olds

Created the automobile scene. He created the automobile because he "didn't like the smell of horses on the farm."

Henry Ford II

Edsel Ford's son who took over the company and introduced the Maverick, Mustang, and Pinto.

Henry Ford

the Dearborn inventory who created Ford Motor Car Company.