Studebaker corporation established to make wagons. During the height of wagon train westward expansion, almost half the wagons were Studebakers. They also made parts for other manufacturers. They built fine horse carriages as well and had a number of innovative patents.

Gottlieb Daimler of Germany invents first gasoline powered automobile, begins sales two years later.

Approximately 175,000 horses exist in New York City. Each horse produced 30 lbs. of poop daily. Removing these mountains of "manure" was a monumental undertaking. Also, approximately 15,000 horses died each and these also had to be removed from the streets.

Albert Pope, the “Founder of the American Bicycle Industry,” set up a bicycle manufacturing business. Pope would go on to be part of several early automobile companies.

April 19. Very first automobile made for regular sale was completed by Charles Edgar Duryea in his Duryea Motor Wagon Company in Springfield, MA., co-owned by his brother, Frank.

First gasoline powered agricultural tractor is produced by John Froelich in Iowa.

The “Office of Road Inquiry” created within the Agriculture Department in Washington, DC to promote rural road development.

First cars powered by electric batteries introduced.

Pope Manufacturing becomes the 2nd US car maker by adding a automobile division to its existing bicycle business.

First automobile magazine, “The Horseless Age,” published.

First automobile club formed, “The American Auto League,” to promote better roads.

Thanksgiving Day. Frank Duryea wins “The Race of the Century,” put on by the Chicago Times-Herald, over a 54 mile course, from Jackson Point to Evanston and back. Six cars entered, none with brakes. Only four completed the course on a day with unexpected snow. Duryea’s time was 7 hours, 53 minutes. The Duryea brother use their $2,000 prize to start their own production company. They build thirteen cars.

First recorded US purchaser of an automobile was George Morill, of Norwood, MA, who bought a Duryea.

First recorded automobile accident occurs in New York City when a Duryea hit a bicyclist.

First American Speed Contest, in Rhode Island, won hands down by an electric car.

Ransom Eli Olds, founder of Oldsmobile and REO, builds his first car, with four wheels and a 1 cylinder engine in Lansing, Michigan. He sets up in business as the “Olds Motor Vehicle Company.”

Henry Ford build his first ever vehicle in his spare time while working at the Edison Lighting Company.

First introduction to the press of new models.

First automobile insurance policy was written in Buffalo, New York.

First two automobile dealerships established. One, in Detroit, was an independent. The other, in Reading, PA, sold Wintons only.

First time an automobile, driven by Belgian Camille Jenatzky, reaches 100 MPH.

The Olds Motor Works Company introduces a primitive form of production line techniques. Company advertising emphasizes one of the main benefits of owning a car – it only needs to be fed when in use.

A Winton dealership opens at 120 Broadway, New York City.

Alexander Winton drives one of his own cars from Cleveland to NYC in just under 48 hours.

Sept 13. First automobile related fatality, in New York City.

The Automobile Club of America is formed.

First automobile parts and supply business established.

Henry Ford establishes the Detroit Automobile Company, later renamed the Henry Ford Company.

1 person in 9,500 owned an automobile.

First public car show, at Madison Square Gardens, NYC. 34 models on display. 19 were gasoline powered, 7 steam, six electrics and 2 gasoline electrics.

The Saturday Evening Post carries its first automobile advert.

Battery powered delivery vans and ambulances begin service in NYC.

National Association of Automobile manufacturers formed.

Jan. 10. Splindletop gusher begins Texas oil boom.

A regular 1 cylinder “Curved Dash” Oldsmobile, introduced this year, makes the 800 mile run from Detroit to New York on dirt roads in 7 ½ days. Innovative production line techniques allow for a $650.00 price tag making the “Merry Oldsmobile” the first low cost automobile.

A gasoline bulk storage tank with self-measuring dispenser installed in NYC.

88 manufacturers take part in the 2nd annual automobile show, held in NYC.

Route maps for automobiles, called “Blue Books,” are published.

Oldsmobile sells 425 vehicles, becoming the first mass manufacturer in the US.

Total US industry production – 7,000 vehicles.

Oldsmobile sells 2,500 cars.

Henry Ford quits the Henry Ford Company over the direction of the company whose shareholders want to produce more expensive cars for wealthier patrons, who comprised the bulk of purchasers at the time. Henry Leland takes over the company and renames it Cadillac which sells its first vehicle under the new name in the same year.

Packard is formed from the Ohio Automobile Company.

AAA founded in Chicago.

Studebaker, using its wagon dealership network, enters the automobile market with an electric car.

National Association of Automobile Manufacturers has 112 members.

A “Motor Mart” is formed in NYC to buy and sell used cars.

New York Evening News appoints the first ever Automotive Editor

97% of America’s 2.35 million miles of roads are simple dirt. West of the Mississippi it was virtually 100%. An “improved” road was not necessarily paved, it simply had drainage that allowed for year round use. Almost all became “high crowned” – the center would remain high while the sides wore down. The paved roads that existed were within city limits.

May 23. First successful crossing of the US continent starts from San Francisco to NYC, by Horatio Nelson Jackson and mechanic Sewell K. Croker, in a 20 HP, 2 cylinder, 2 seater Winton with no windshield. July 26, 4,500 miles later, they drive sown 5th Avenue.

First “Good Roads Act” introduced in Congress but fails to pass.

Ford Motor Company established.

Buick Motor Company established.

Studebakers begins producing gasoline powered cars.

A “curved dash” Oldsmobile completes the transcontinental trip heading west. Olds sales rise to 5,000 annually.

Ford’s first Model A costs $850.00

Billy Durant acquires Buick. A former insurance salesman, Durant previously ran the Durant-Dort wagon business. He uses the wagon sales network to sell his automobiles. First Buick hits the road on July 1. It is purchased by Dr. Hills of Flint, Michigan on July 27.

Olds quits Oldsmobile and quickly forms REO using his initials, Ransom Eli Olds.

There are 187 exhibitors, including 87 manufacturers at the 4th annual motor show in NYC.

The National Association of Automobile Retailers is formed.

The cost of a Maxwell, aimed squarely at middle class buyers, was $1,400. A Rambler was $1,350. A Ford Model C ran $950. Annual operating costs were $500 a year. The average cost of a house at this time was $1,000. Teachers were making $400 annually. There was no credit system as such.

Average price of an automobile was $2,275.00. Combined Detroit production is around 600 cars weeks.

First modern filling station with pumps that measured fuel delivered introduced.

Both Ford and Packard achieve $1 million in profits.

A REO crosses the continent both ways as a publicity stunt.

First national truck show held, in Chicago.

First speed bumps installed, in Illinois.

Ford Motor Company introduces the Ford Model T, 4 cylinder, 20 HP. Cost $850.00 A few years later Ford introduced mass production techniques that would dramatically reduce costs and allow lower prices. Ford resists efforts to build a higher cost product line and focuses on building a simple low cost car for the masses. The huge success of this car makes left hand drive the de facto standard for the nation.

General Motors is formed by Billy Durant. Using Buick, the national sales leader, as a springboard, he acquired Oldsmobile, then Cadillac, then Oakland – which was re-named Pontiac. Altogether he brought 13 companies, both automobile and truck manufacturers 10 parts manufacturers. Also included are two truck manufacturers, the Rapid Motor Vehicle C0. and the Reliance Truck Co. which will be combined to form GMC.

There were 194,400 cars registered nationwide and 253 manufacturers.

A four wheel drive system is introduced.

First mile of concrete highway built near Detroit in Wayne County. Part of the now famous Woodward Avenue, the cost of the first paved mile, was $13,534.59, ($296,334.69 in 2005 money.)

300,000 cars in the USA, one car for every 900 people. There were 290 makes built in 145 cities over 24 states. Detroit had 25 builders with a total of 46 in the state of Michigan.

AAA has 29,000 members in 30 states.

One person in 200 owned an automobile.

1st filling station, with self measuring pumps installed in “islands” opened by Central Oil Co., in Detroit.

A REO, formed by Ransom Eli Olds after he left Oldsmobile, crosses the continent in 10 days.

The early era of several hundred automobile manufacturers fades. Cars were more reliable and a certain amount of standardization, such as the “H” shaped gear selector pattern, introduced by Packard, was being arrived at. There was almost no statutory regulation of the industry.

After being forced out of GM, Durant teams up with famous Swiss driver Louis Chevrolet, who had already been building cars since 1909. Durant creates a low price line to compete with Ford. It is hugely successful, allowing Durant to buy so many GM shares he is able to regain control of GM and merging it with Chevrolet in 1916.

Centre lines are painted on Woodward Avenue in Wayne County, near Detroit.

American LaFrance builds its first gasoline powered fire truck.

Production of closed body cars, built by Fisher for Cadillac, allows motoring to become a year round activity.

Studebaker introduces buying cars on credit.

After a Saurer truck is the first such vehicle to cross the continent, the company merges with the Mack and Hewitt truck companies to form International Motors, AKA “Mack.”

Electric starter motors, built by Delco, introduced by Cadillac.

Construction began on the proposed “Lincoln Highway.” Lack of funding was a huge problem. It would take Federal money to complete the route, from New York to San Francisco. The original intention was simply a gravel surfaced “improved road.”

Modern filling stations spread to Cincinnati, Ohio, St. Louis, MO and Dallas, TX.

A Packard truck hauls a 3 ton load from New York to San Francisco in 46 days. (All of the "prestige" manufacturers, Peerless, Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac, etc, built trucks at one time or another.)

Ford revolutionizes manufacturing by introducing an advanced form of production line techniques. Workers do just one task repetitively. To combat extremely high turn over he doubles wages to $5.00 a week, introduces an employee profit sharing plan and reduces the work day from nine to eight hours. Paint color options are reduced to black only as only it had a sufficiently fast drying time to avoid production bottlenecks.

Gulf Oil begins distributing free route maps to motorists, opens first “drive through” filling stations.

A transcontinental road, dubbed “The Lincoln Highway” is proposed.

Stutz Motor Company formed.

Ford produces 300,000 Model Ts in a year, almost 1,000 vehicles a day.

Dodge Brother Motor Company is formed. As original backers of the Ford Motor Company, and as its transmission builder, they had both wealth and a good reputation and their cars sold well.

Despite resistance from Henry Ford, electric starters become standard equipment on 90% of cars.

Rudimentary, red light only, electric traffic lights installed, in Detroit then Cleveland, Ohio.

Adjustable drivers’ seats offered by Maxwell.

870,000 cars in the US.

Ford produces almost 500,000 Model Ts. The price had fallen to $440.00. Total Model T production exceeds, 1 million.

The second largest manufacturer is Willys-Overland which produced 94,500 cars.

Plans are drawn up for the creation of another transcontinental highway to be called the “Old Spanish Trail. It would run from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego. Originally San Antonio was not on the route but it was added when the route was redrawn later.

Automobiles become the #1 advertised items. There are now 450 Automotive and automobile parts manufacturers in the USA.

Automobiles are allowed into Yellowstone Park on strictly limited routes.

1.5 million cars in the US, up 630,000 from 1915. As production increased, the number of manufacturers had fallen dramatically. The principle players are Ford, which has 48% of the market, GM, Nash, Maxwell, Hudson, Dodge and Studebaker. Parts, such as wheel sizes, were becoming standardized, allowing for lower manufacturing costs.

Average price of an automobile was $1,375.00. A Ford Model T was $360.

Ford introduces the Fordson agricultural tractor.

Billy Durant regains control of GM.

Federal Aid Road Act is passed. First introduced in 1911, it finally passes despite opposition from rural communities. It also for 50 / 50 Federal / State funding of roads between towns. $5 million is initially allocated.

Average cost for a gallon of gas – 15 cents

The army uses trucks en masse for the first time to supply its troops in Mexico.

Automobile companies get involved in the war effort. Truck production greatly increases. As well as making ammunition, helmets, and other military vehicles, such as ambulance, they also assist in the design and production of the famous “Liberty” aero engine.

Henry Leland leaves Cadillac and forms Lincoln.

First stretch of highway created using the 1916 Road Act is completed from Richmond, CA. to the Alameda county line, 2.55 miles, at a cost of $53,938.85 ($700,000.00 in 2005 money). The federal government pays half the bill.

US Army convoy takes 62 days to cross the continent. Later President Eisenhower is part of the effort.

9 cars in 10 are open, i.e. not fully enclosed. By 1929, this has changed to only 1 in 10.

Oregon is the first state to levy a gas sales tax. (1929 – Every state has them.)

50% of gas being purchased is from modern filling stations.

GM creates GMAC, the General Motor Acceptance Corporation.

Henry Ford buys out all minority shareholders, including the Dodge Brothers who were among his original backers. The company produces 750,000 cars, over a third of all production.

Studebaker ceases production of horse drawn wagons and carriages.

Pierce-Arrow Motor Company is formed.

Durant loses control of GM again. He immediately form the Durant Motor Company.

Average cost for a gallon of gas – 30 cents.

There are 1.1 million trucks in the US, 25% owned by farmers.

The trend is cars aimed at owner drivers rather than chauffeur driven models.

Rolls Royce begins production in the US which lasts until 1932.

There are 12,500 traffic fatalities in the US.

Only 191 miles of new highways have been built since the 1916 Road Aid Act was passed. The Federal government creates a highway research board to solve problems and establish best practices.

The Federal Highway Act provides for additional funding of the 1916 Act mandate. The “Office of Road Inquiry” is renamed the Bureau of Public Roads and begins increasing federal funding of road construction.

Model T’s comprise 61.6% of all cars produced this year. Total Model T production exceeds 5 million, 55.45% of all cars ever built.

Total highway expenditure (federal, state and local) - $1.38 Billion.

Walter P. Chrysler becomes Chairman of the Maxwell-Motor Company.

Three times as much federally assisted highway construction is completed in this year than in all the years combined since 1916. Some 10,250 miles are built at a cost of $189 million.

Ford buys the Lincoln Motor Company, adding an up market brand to the basic Model T strategy.

The first electronically linked traffic lights in the USA are installed in Houston TX.

3.6 million passenger cars were produced. The industry has become the biggest in the nation, worth $2.4 billion.

Ford production exceeds 2 million cars.

Durant introduces the first station wagon.

Ford produces its 10 millionth car.

The Maxwell Company introduces the all new Chrysler 6. With a brand new high compression V6, the car is a big hit.

The Maxwell Company is renamed the Chrysler Corporation.

US Highway Route designations established to create some order in the confusing array of route designations and markers that have evolved on US roads. East – West routes are given even numbers. North – South routes are given odd numbers.

75% of all vehicle purchases are on credit, worth $2.5 billion. Buyers had to put 1/3 down, but this could be your trade in. Default rate was only 2.09%.

More colors become available as paints and procedures improve. Other features introduced this year include hand cranked opening windows and chrome plating.

20,000,000 cars in the USA. Some 200,000 cars were exported compared to 1,000 imports.

GM renames its Oakland Division as Pontiac.

Led by Chrysler’s new model, the V6 becomes the standard engine for all cars in the US except “economy” cars. Other improvements included 4 wheel brakes, safety glass, and adjustable front seats. Better gasoline allowed for higher compression engines. Tires had become much better allowing better handling, greater endurance and faster speeds.

As styling considerations begin to dominate automobile choices, even Ford begins to offer the Model T in colors other than black. Paints had improved so that drying times were comparable.

A GM truck loaded with two tons of freight, is driven from New York to San Francisco in 5 days, 17 ½ hours.

Ford ceases production of his beloved Model T. Some 15.5 million had been produced over 19 years. Other manufacturers had moved far ahead, in terms of styling, performance, features and speed, making the “Flivver” or “Tin Lizzie” an anachronism, a joke.

GM was offering no less than 72 different models and an almost infinite variety of colors and options, including engine size, to choose from.

Harley Earl becomes head of GM’s Art & Color Section, the automobile industry’s first styling department. Reliability was no longer the main automobile selling point, it was style and features.

10% of all US households owned more than one car.

Chrysler Corp. buys Dodge, creates Plymouth as an economy line and De Soto as a mid range make.

Chevrolet switches from a four to a six cylinder engine.

Studebaker and Pierce-Arrow merge.

There are 23 million cars on the road in the US.

9 cars out of ten are fully enclosed.

80,000 De Sotos sold in its first year.

“Old Spanish Trail” completed, 14 years after it began, running from St. Augustine, FL, to San Diego, CA. The route, essentially HWY 90, runs through San Antonio, TX.

Every sate in the union has a gas sales tax.

92% of all gas sales are from filling stations. Many have become service stations, offering repairs and parts, such as tires, glass, body repairs, etc.

45 million Americans vacation by automobile, leading to a rise in “Auto Courts,” etc.

$86 million is spent on automobile advertising, 17% of all advertising dollars. Selling to women became more important. During the 1920s, incomes rose as car prices fell. Roaring indeed.

Ford introduces the eight hour day and guaranteed $7.00 a day minimum pay.

Annual car production was 4,455,000. (Due to the Great Depression and World War II, this would not be exceeded until 1949.)

Annual car production fell 37%, to 2.8 million, as the Great Depression hit. Consumer confidence was low and credit sales fell accordingly.

National highway expenditure - $2.85 billion.

There are 3.6 million trucks on the road.

There are 32,900 traffic fatalities annually in the US.

In car radios are introduced.

Annual car production falls again by another 36%, to 1.8 million, more than 2/3 less than 1929. October introduction of new models is agreed upon by manufacturers to even out production over the year.

A refrigerated truck delivers 2 tons of Californian fruit to New York in 117 hours driving time, just under five days.

Annual car production – 1.1 million. This is the lowest point of the Great Depression. GM stock fell to 8% of its 1929 value. Despite the overall losses being made by the company Chrysler’s low cost Plymouth line, introduced in 1928, was a huge success. At over 100,000 units sold, it put the corporation into the ranks of the “big Three.”

As sales of the Model A sagged, Ford, using a revolutionary production technique, introduces a low cost V8 to the market, creating an immediate sensation.

A patent for the first parking meter is applied for.

First drive-in movie theater, in Camden, New Jersey.

REO introduces automatic transmissions.

Ford slips into 3rd place in terms of sales, despite the popularity of the V8, due to Henry’s poor leadership. While other companies innovate, he becomes increasingly intransigent. Appalling labor relations don't help.

Howard Johnson has a string of restaurants, as franchising businesses geared to motorists takes off.

Automotive taxation was the most consistent form of revenue during the Great Depression. Motorists paid $1 out of every $8 in 1935.

95 of all new car sales were for less than $750.

54% of all families had a car.

Built in front window defrosters are introduced.

Buick introduces windshield washers.

GM signs its first ever union contract after an historic 44 day sit down strike at its body plants paralyzed the company.

Ford introduces the Mercury brand to bridge the gap between Ford and Lincoln.

Dodge and International introduce diesel engines on their trucks, joining smaller companies already using this type of power plant.

75 millionth car produced in the USA. Ford builds its 27 millionth vehicle and Chevrolet its 15th.

Automobile air-conditioning is introduced by Packard. Sealed beam headlights become standard, as do heaters and defrosters.

Chrysler introduces safety rim wheels and 2 speed wipers.

The automobile industry converts to production of war material. Detroit becomes the “Arsenal of Democracy.” Among other items, GM produces machine guns, shells, anti-aircraft guns and, of course trucks, lots of trucks. Packard build Rolls Royce Merlin engines under license. Ford makes Jeeps, Pratt & Whitney radial aircraft engines and entire B24 Liberator bombers at the huge, government paid for, Willow Run factory. Dodge built trucks. Chrysler built tanks and aircraft engines. Graham-Paige built tanks. Nash-Kelvinator made propellers and aircraft engines. Altogether some 1,038 automobile plants were converted to war production.

Plymouth produces its 4 millionth car before production of civilian vehicles is halted.

There are now 227,000 gas stations in America. Gas is rationed to only 5 gallons a month.

Roosevelt signs a law to create a “National System of Interstate Highways.” Funding will be 50 / 50 between the Federal and State governments. Many new toll roads are created, mainly in the north-east.

Limited production of civilian light trucks is resumed.

There are 25.8 million cars registered in the US. Of these 50% are ten years older or more because of the depression and then the end of production during the war. The demand for new cars could not be higher. Limited production of civilian cars begins again.

Henry Ford II takes control of Ford Motor Company following his grandfather’s reluctant retirement.

Using designs from 1941, post was production of civilian cars tops 1 million. Cars converted for use by disabled veterans are produced.

Power windows are introduced.

Paved road exceeds unpaved road for the first time in US history.

The SUV is born when Willys introduces a seven passenger Jeep wagon.

There are eight shopping malls in America. This will grow to 3,841 by 1960.

Automobile pioneer Henry Ford dies.

First startling new post war design introduced by Studebaker. The Starlight was designed by little known Virgil Exner, who went to style cars for Chrysler in the mid 1950s.

Packard introduces power seats.

California begins construction of a series of “freeways” (not tollways) between major cities.

Tubeless tires are introduced by Goodrich.

GM introduces compound curve windshields. Known as wrap around windshields, they have a curve from side to side and also from top to bottom.

Ford is the first of the “Big 3” to produce an all new design. The 1949 Ford is modern and sleek and is a huge hit.

The first car with fins is introduced. The Cadillac’s fins are more like small bumps but the fin craze will almost define the 1950s.

Car sales reach 5.1 million. Chevrolet sales top 1 million for the first time since 1927. Total industry production tops 1929 figures. The government lifts its 24 month maximum credit term. The American Trucking Association announces that 60% of the nation’s freight is now being moved by trucks.

GM creates the hardtop convertible look. Without a “B” pillar, the open look cars appear as if they are convertibles.

Ignition key only starting introduced by Chrysler.

The “Little Five” becomes four when Willys goes out of business. Hudson, Packard, Studebaker and Nash increase their total market share to 14%.

Gas costs 30 cents a gallon. The cost of a basic Chevrolet is $2,000.00.

Nash-Kelvinator introduces the compact sized Rambler which also comes with seat belts.

Ford sells 1 million cars annually for the first time since 1930.

Holiday Inn begins a new era of franchise chain hotels, followed by Travelodge and Howard Johnson. These soon displace independent motels which had already acquired a disreputable reputation.

Power steering introduced by Chrysler and Buick.

Federal taxes on new car sales is increased from 7%to 10%.

12 volt electrical system introduced on the Imperial, the top of the line car of the Chrysler Corporation.

The last nine miles of the 112 mile New Jersey turnpike completed.

Private automobile carried 85% of all traffic in the USA.

The Chevrolet Corvette is introduced.

The Ford Thunderbird is introduced.

Nash merges with Hudson to form the American Motor Corporation, AMC.

Tubeless tires become standard equipment.

The 88 mile West Virginia turnpike is opened.

Ray Kroc invents franchise fast food following his purchase of McDonalds, founded in 1940. His introduction of standardized food and production techniques soon catches on.

GM’s after tax profits exceed $1 billion.

Push button transmissions offered on higher end Chrysler Corp. products.

US car owner ship reaches 52 million.

Ohio’s 241 mile turnpike opened.

Slick Airways introduces truck-plane-truck coast to coast delivery service.

Eisenhower signs into law the Federal Aid Highway Act which changes the funding ratio of the highway construction to 90% Federal and 10% state. A 41,000 mile network is envisioned.

Ford Motor Company introduces the Edsel line to bridge the gap between Mercury and Lincoln.

Interior control for external mirrors introduced on Lincolns.

AMC drops Nash and Hudson nameplates and concentrates on Ramblers.

Ford introduces the four door “personal luxury” Thunderbird

Against the big car grain, AMC sells 217,000 Ramblers.

The VW Beetle captures 5% of the American market.

Toyota, founded in 1937, begins exporting cars to the US. Named Toyopet, they all but ignored especially by the US industry.

Studebaker drops the Packard name plate.

Cruise control introduced as an option on Imperials.

Railroad “Piggy-back” service to move loaded trailers is introduced.

The “Automobile Information Disclosure Act” comes into effect. Also known as the “Price label law” it mandates a prominent sticker on each new car stating the make, model, serial number, name and address of dealer, suggested retail price, factory installed options, transportation details and delivery charges.

There are over 4,000 drive-in movie theatres.

Dodge introduces the Dart, Chevrolet, the Corvair, Ford, the Falcon and Plymouth, the Valiant.

Ford discontinues the Edsel.

Ford creates its Ford Motor Credit finance arm.

Honda enters the American market. It becomes well regarded initially as a motorcycle manufacturer. Car sales don’t take off until the mid 1960s.

California passes the nation’s first emission control laws to combat smog. A cleaning device is installed to re-circulate exhaust emissions through the intake manifold to consume unburnt hydro-carbons, a major smog component.

Federal gasoline tax raised from 3 to 4 cents a gallon.

The Scout, an early SUV, is introduced by International Harvester.

The automobile market is saturated. Only 9,000 more cars were sold in 1960 over 1950. There are, however, twice as many cars on the road as 1930. One third of all households now owns at least two cars.

The fin and chrome era was essentially over. More compact cars are becoming available as brands like Ford and Chevrolet splinter into named models of various sizes. AMC sells 434,000 Ramblers.

9,100 miles of the proposed 41,000 mile interstate system is complete, with another 4,700 miles under construction.

There are 3,841 shopping malls in the US.

Ford introduces the Econoline wagon, which can be configured in several ways, from a delivery van to a multi-seat club wagon.

GM builds its 75 millionth car.

The Cobra is introduced by Shelby using a British made body and a Ford V8 engine.

Front wheel disc brakes are introduced by Studebaker.

R.V. (recreational Vehicles) and campers are introduced and quickly become popular.

Ford builds its 60 millionth car.

Chevrolet introduces the Chevy Van.

Single and semi-articulated truck maximum weight, width, height and length increases approved by the American Association of Highway Officials.

Ford introduces the Mustang, Plymouth the Barracuda.

GM produces 4 million cars.

Toyota introduces its first pick-up truck in America.

New car registrations exceed 8 million.

Front seat belts become a standard feature on all cars.

Automatic selection pattern is standardized as PRNDL (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low)

Federal law essentially adopts Californian emission laws as the “Vehicle Air Pollution & Control Act.”

Total US car production : 9.33 million. Total bus and truck production : 1.8 million.

VW Beetle sales reach 500,000.

Chevrolet introduces the Camaro, Mercury, the Cougar, Ford the 4X4 Bronco SUV.

Front wheel drive returns to American made cars for the first time since 1937 with the introduction of the Oldsmobile Toronado.

Studebaker terminates automobile production. stays in the parts business.

First federal road and car safety laws enacted, “The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act” and the “Highway Safety Act.” These provide regulation of passenger protection, (safety belts, padded dashboards, dual braking systems, safety tires) driver visibility (passenger side rear view mirrors) and public announcements for safety recalls. These additions increased car prices by an average of $300. The “HSA” mandates road construction standards.

Rear seat belts become standard on all new cars.

75% of all American roads are now paved.

Pontiac introduces the Firebird. A front wheel drive Cadillac, the Eldorado is introduced.

GM builds its 100 millionth vehicle.

38% of all new cars have air-conditioning. Exhaust emission control systems become standard. Side markers are introduced.

US Department of Transportation created. The Federal Highway Administration, the new name for the Bureau of Public Roads, is part of the DOT’s structure.

57% of the proposed 41,000 mile interstate network has been completed.

Imports made up 10% of sales. The sales leader was the VW Beetle.

The Subaru brand is introduced in the USA.

Side impact protection side door beams introduced.

The 250 millionth vehicle built by the US motor industry is completed.

Chevrolet introduces the 4X4 Blazer.

Of the 1 million imports registered in the US, over half are VW Beetles.

Electronic rear window glass defrosters, front disc brakes and anti-theft steering column locks become standard.

Electronic skid control brake systems are introduced.

Car loan sales practices are affected by new “Truth in Lending” regulations.

The Datsun 240Z is introduced. (Datsun was the original trade name for Nissan in the USA.)

The federal “Clean Air Act” is passed.

US vehicle manufacturers offer a combined total of 351 models.

American small cars – the Ford Pinto, the Chevrolet Vega and the AMC Gremlin are not well received by the buying public.

Total US production – 8.6 million. Chevrolet is the sales leader, at 2.42 million. In second place is Ford, at 2.24 million, followed by Oldsmobile, Plymouth and Pontiac.

Experimental air bags introduced, by Mercury.

The maintenance free battery is introduced by Prestolite.

Average cost of a new car - $3,930. Average annual income - $9,298.

VW beetle sales, at 15 million and counting, exceed sales of the Ford Model T.

As an economy measure, the national speed limit is reduced to 55 MPH. Worst year on record for average fuel efficiency, only 12 MPG. Some of this was due to pollution control devices but most of it was due to the size of the cars and their engines.

Year of the oil embargo as an Arab response to the latest Israeli war. This was more myth than reality but it did have a big effect on the sales of large cars and also weeded out many of the independent gas stations. Shortages were mainly restricted to certain areas. The amount of fuel coming into the country was actually hardly affected.

Air-Conditioning is available on 72% of new cars. Energy absorbing bumpers (AKA 5 MPH bumpers), side impact protection door beams become mandatory. Federal law bans “Odometer rollback,” and obligated odometer disclosure at time of sale.

All new Mustang II introduced. Though initially popular, this car has come to be vilified as a betrayal of the ultimate Pony car concept. It had a 4 cylinder engine as standard equipment with a V6 as an option. A V8 would be added in a couple of years but the damage was done and the brand almost died.

8.1 million cars built by the US automobile industry. V* installations fall from 81% to 61%.

Traffic fatalities nationwide drop significantly. The 55 MPH speed limit get much of the credit.

106 million cars on the road. Annual industry output tumbles to 6.5 million.

Chrysler drops its top end line, Imperial.

Honda introduces a, powerful responsive yet clean engine using Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion, CVCC, from which the Civic got its name. This engine is able to pass low emission standards without a catalytic converter. Honda sees its sales soar to 120,000.

Federal fuel economy legislation is passed, “The Energy Policy and Conservation Act.” mandating CAFÉ – Corporate Average Fuel Economy – standards. This was to be 20 MPG by 1980 and 27.5 MPG by 1985.

Big car sales roar back as the gas crisis recedes from memory. Gas cost 61 cents a gallon. Average price of a new car was $5.470.00. Annual inflation, though still high, falls below 10%. Rebates switch from full size cars to compacts as the industry tries to move inventory in tune with the buying tastes of the public. AMC begins to experience very serious economic difficulties.

US industry output climbs to 9.1 million.

Import sales exceed 2 million in the US for the first time. Honda introduces the Accord.

C.A.F.E. (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) regulations go into effect, with a stipulation of 18 MPG for 1978, 19 MPG for 1979 and 20 MPG for 1980.

Dodge introduces the Omni and Plymouth the Horizon.

Compacts now make up 28% of all domestic sales, sub-compacts 10.6%. Full size cars are being downsized, built on smaller chassis and made lighter. The average cost of a new domestic car is $6,470.00.

The gas guzzler tax is introduced. Industry analysts calculate that federal mandated equipment and changes between 1968 and 1978 have added $520 to the cost of a new car.

Ford Pintos are recalled to correct gas tank fires in rear end collisions.

Lee Iacocca is fired by Ford, hired by Chrysler.

VW begins production in the US, becoming the first foreign manufacturer to do so since Rolls Royce in the 1930s.

Honda sells 275,000 units.

An all new Ford Mustang is introduced to get acclaim. This style lasts, with one major face-lift, until 1993.

French manufacturer Renault buys 22.5% of AMC. Two Renault models are immediately introduced to the US market with plans for their production in the US to follow.

A second, more serious, fuel crisis is created by a US embargo on Iranian oil as a result of the hostage crisis. Gas goes up to 90 cents a gallon. Double digit inflation erodes consumer confidence and continuing quality problems badly affects domestic car sales. Imports, particularly cars from Japan, are now perceived to be both more fuel efficient and reliable and their sales soar to 2.3 million, 21.7% of total sales.

The fuel economy of news cars is 35% improved over 1970 models, and toxic emissions are 90% lower. The resistance of domestic manufacturers to the regulations is now being held against them, adding to their already lengthy list of problems in the market place.

Honda opens its first US factory, in Marysville, Ohio. Initially it makes motorcycles.

Japan overtakes the US and becomes the leading automobile manufacturing nation. Imports make up 27% of the 8.9 million cars sold in the US. All four domestic manufacturers, GM, Ford, Chrysler and AMC lose money. GM fails to make a profit for the first time since 1921. Chrysler gets a bailout in the form of government secured loans.

4 cylinder engines installations double over 1979. V8 installations decline to 30% of the total. Computer engine management systems control both performance and emissions.

Ford introduces the Escort to replace the Pinto. A well engineered and reliable Ford of Europe design, where it was introduced in 1968, the Escort gains Ford a much needed boost in the US small car market.

Chrysler introduces its “K” car series. Modern and flexible, the design can be stretched to allow a number of different designs using the same components, creating multiplied cost savings for the company. The new cars gain a good reputation and sell well.

Corvette production moves to Bowling Green, Kentucky.

US production including VW falls to 6.67 million. Imports take 27% of 8.53 million sales. The CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fleet Economy) standard rises to 22 MPG.

Honda adds car manufacturing at its in Marysville, Ohio, plant, building Accords.

Renault acquires a controlling interest in AMC.

Chrysler heralds the return of the convertible with the LeBaron and a Dodge clone. The public finds them appealing and other manufacturers begin to add ragtops back into their product mix.

Chevrolet introduces the Cavalier. Like the Ford Escort, and even the Dodge Omni, the car was developed by the company’s European divisions several years earlier. Once again, well tested in the market place, the cars gain favor in the US. Pontiac, Buick and even Cadillac get their own version. The Cadillac Cimarron is a remarkably change of fortune for the once illustrious brand and signals its loss of direction and purpose.

Chrysler Corp pays off its federally secured loans completely, seven years ahead of schedule.

A convertible version of the Cavalier is introduced. While Ford of Europe sells a hot convertible version of the Escort, it never comes to the US, along with a number of its other variants, such as a panel van and even a pick-up. In stead, Ford brings back the convertible Mustang.

Total US production, foreign and domestic, plummets to 5.68 million. As inflation continues to soar, the average price of a new car rises to $10,700, up from $9,910 in 1982 and 6,950 in 1979. Some of the increase is attributed to federal mandates.

A “Domestic Content” law comes into effect in an effort to control import production.

GM and Toyota enter into a joint production agreement using a shuttered GM plant in California.

Nissan opens its first US plant in Smyrna, Georgia.

The minivan is introduced by Chrysler. Using stretched “K” car underpinnings, the Plymouth Voyager and the Dodge Caravan are instant hits. Soon most manufacturers will a versatile family hauler of their own.

Using a name introduced in 1974, Jeep introduces am all new small 4X4 and 2X4 SUV, the Cherokee.

Both Chrysler and GM begin selling Japanese built cars under their own brands.

Ford introduces the Tempo and Mercury the Topaz.

Domestic production rebounds to 8.14 million. GM has 44% of the US market. Domestic take 76% altogether as foreign car sales dip.

Both Ford and GM fail to meet CAFÉ standards. While front wheel drive account for 40% of its product line and 50% of GM’s, Chrysler, which met the target, has 87% of its product is so equipped.

Nissan drops the name Datsun.

Ford introduces the Aerostar minivan.

The Yugo, a re-styled Fiat built under license in Yugoslavia, is introduced in the US. Plagued by terrible reliability, the cars are withdrawn in 1992.

As inflation continues to fall, sales rise. Just over 11 million cars are sold in the US, of which 74 are domestics. Sales incentives or rebates are becoming a permanent part of the automotive landscape. Chevrolet is still the #1 US brand but Ford falls to third place behind Oldsmobile. Though in 5th and 9th places in overall sales, customers for Dodge and Plymouth minivans must wait six months for delivery.

CAFÉ standard is at 27.5 MPG. Following industry pressure it will actually be reduced the following year, to 26 MPG.

Ford introduces the Taurus and Mercury the Sable to great acclaim. Ford profits pass those of Gm for the first time since 1924.

The Corvette regains a ragtop version.

Of the 11.46 million new cars sold in the US, imports take a 28.3% share. Ford regains second place among domestic brands.

The high center rear stop light becomes mandatory.

Anti-lock brake systems become more and more common on high end and performance cars.

Renault gives up the AMC fight and sells the company to Chrysler. The Renault is soon dropped. It was the Jeep brand that attracted Chrysler.

Total US production – 7.4 million. Imports take 31% of sales, including 5% from US plants. Average fuel economy, at 26.6 MPG is double that of 1974. V* engines are down to only 18.5% of new cars while 4 cylinders reach 54%. Average cost of a new car - $13,200. Import sales dip to 29.2%.

Ford Motor Company earns the highest ever annual profit for a vehicle manufacturer, $4.6 million.

Mazda opens a factory in Flat Rock, Michigan as a joint venture with Ford.

Ford outsells Chevrolet for the first time since the 1920s.

GM has 34% of the US market, introduces five speed manual gear boxes.

Toyota opens its first US factory in Georgetown, Kentucky, building the Camry.

The Honda Accord is the top selling US car, followed by the Ford Taurus, the Chevrolet Cavalier and the Ford Escort. Imports take 28% of 9.82 million car sales. Average cost rises to $14,920.br>
GM’s share falls to 34% but Chevrolet outsells Ford. The “GEO” brand of import clones, like the Prizm, is introduced. The GEO Metro, built by Suzuki is also brought out. With a 3 cylinder engine, it does wonders for the conglomerates CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) statistics. With a cute convertible in its line up, and very low prices, the cars sell quite well for a time.

Mitsubishi opens a joint venture plant with Chrysler in Illinois to build its own brand plus clones sold as “Eagle,” itself the remnant of AMC.

Korean manufacturer Hyundai enters the US market with the 3, 4 & 5 door Excel.

Combined sales of all US cars and trucks fall to 14.1 million. Big Three production is only just over 5 million. Anti-lock brakes are installed in 7% of new cars, driver’s side air-bags – 30%. Average MPG is a respectable 29.1 MPG.

The Lumina sedan replaces the Chevrolet Celebrity. Confusingly, a minivan version shares the same name.

Lincoln introduces a redesigned Town Car. Chrysler re-introduces the Imperial as a gussied up New Yorker. Chrysler also introduces a luxury minivan, the Town & Country. Ford buys the struggling British luxury car maker, Jaguar.

Mitsubishi introduces what will become the best selling Japanese sports car, the Eclipse. Chrysler Corp brands Plymouth and Talon get clone versions.

30% of all vehicle sales, 4.6 million, are light trucks, AKA Sport Utilities. The era of the SUV arrives.

A new, tougher “Clean Air Act” is passed, mandating auto emissions must be halved by 1998. Also, side impact crash testing becomes mandatory.

Ford introduces the Explorer as a replacement for the Bronco II.

The Saturn brand is introduced. GM does it best to hide its involvement in this new experimental import fighting off-shoot, which shares almost no components with other GM brands.

Chevrolet introduces what will become its last full sized rear wheel drive car in the form of the redesigned Caprice. Big, bold, packing a V8, it becomes a big hit with police forces across the country. Buick gets a clone, which is given the historic “Roadmaster” designation.

The one millionth Chevrolet Corvette is built.

Dodge introduces the Viper.

8.2 million cars sold, of which 6.2 million are domestic brands. The average cost of a new car is $17,070. The Ford Taurus outsells the Accord but Honda is not making discount fleet sales, so has a much higher profit per car. Ford is the number one brand in the nation. Chrysler brand sales fall to 12th place below Lincoln.

Jeep Grand Cherokee introduced.

Chrysler Corp. introduces its “cab forward designs, the Chrysler Concorde, the Dodge Intrepid and the Eagle Vision as 1994 models.

Mercury introduces a Nissan Quest minivan clone, the Villager. Both are built at a Ford plant in Ohio.

The Lexus brand of luxury cars is introduced by Toyota.

Passenger side front air-bags become available as options on several cars.

The Neon sub-compact is introduced as both a Dodge and an identical Plymouth.

An all new 4th generation Ford Mustang is introduced. (The previous iteration lasted 15 years.)

Ford introduces the Contour as a replacement for the Tempo. Touted as a world car, it is sold in Europe as the Mondeo. While a hit overseas, the car fails to ignite in the US.

A/C systems switch from old fashioned Freon, considered to be a “green-house” gas to R-134A.

An all new Dodge Ram pick-up is introduced. With styling cues taken from large over the road trucks, it captures the public’s imagination and soon becomes the top selling vehicle produced by the Chrysler Corporation. As pick-ups gain in popularity, they begin to adopt more family use features and lose their hard working, basic transportation image behind. Extended cabs then quad cabs soon dominate the segment.

Combined car and light truck sales decline from the previous year by 2.1% to 14.8 million. While the sale of cars declines, light truck sales rise to six million. Even as the Ford Taurus continues as the best selling car for four straight years, Ford’s light truck production now exceeds that of GM. Light truck sales now comprise 4.15% of all sales, 49% of “Big Three” sales. Plymouth, GEO and Lincoln lose the most customers.

The average cost per car for advertising by dealerships is up to $416.

The average interest rate for new cars loans peaks at an historic high of 11.2%.

The US regains the #1 position as the leading automobile manufacturing nation.

The American Auto Industry celebrates its 100th anniversary. The start date is chosen as the first commercial sale of the Duryeas, constructed by the first American car company created to build and sell cars.

The Big Three sell more light trucks than cars. (5.7 million over 5.3). GM discontinues production of all its last full size, rear wheel drive cars, Chevrolet Caprice, Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac Fleetwood, and switches production at their plants, such as Arlington, Texas, to trucks and SUVs.

Chrysler Corps share of the market rises to 16.2%, its highest since 1957. Its redesigned full sized truck is a sensation, and its redesigned minivans which now have sliding doors on both sides, continue to rule this segment, with 300,117 sales. Plymouth, however, continues to decline.

Ford introduces a redesigned Taurus and Mercury Sable. Sales are strong but over half are going into fleets. By comparison only 4.5% of Honda Accords are sold that way.

Unleaded gas is outlawed by the 1996 Clean Air Act.

The size and number of cup=holders per vehicle becomes a huge selling point.

Total vehicle sales remain strong at 15.1 million. As car sales decline and light trucks (pick-ups, SUVs and minivans) rise, imports, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord take the top two slots. The Ford brand continues as number one overall. Import manufacturers have a 23.5% share of the total market.

Ford introduces the Expedition, based on the nation’s best selling pickup, the F150, as a companion to the best selling SUV, the Explorer, based on the Ford Ranger. The Thunderbird, however, is discontinued.

Both Ford and GM., following tough cost cutting, see record profits. Both also have strong light truck product lines, the fastest growing segment and one which foreign manufacturers have yet to zero in on.

GM introduces the all-electric EV1 in Arizona and California in response to state mandates that it provide zero emission vehicles. It maximum range, under ideal conditions, is only 90 miles. Available only on lease, it is discontinued in 2002. Conspiracy theories abound as to why it failed.

Chrysler Corp is taken over by the German Daimler company, makers of Mercedes. Touted as a merger, the new company name is DaimlerChrysler.

Overall sales exceed 15 million for the third straight year. Almost 50% of all vehicle sales, 7.4 million, are light trucks / SUVs. The top selling vehicle, for the 17th straight year is the Ford F150. The top selling car is the Toyota Camry, for the second year in a row. European brands have 7% of sales.

The Lincoln brands gains its own SUV, the Navigator, a version of the Expedition, with strong sales.

The Dodge Durango is introduced.

The New Beetle is introduced by Volkswagen.

Bill Ford, Henry’s great grandson becomes chairman of Ford Motor Company.

85.6% of all vehicles sold in the US are built in North America (The US, Canada or Mexico.) 9% come from Japan, 3.8% from Europe and 1.6% from Korea.

The first gas / electric hybrid, the Honda Insight, is introduced.

Cadillac gets its own luxury SUV, the Escalade. A gussied up Chevy Tahoe with a sales tag of $45,875, its profit margin was huge and its success did wonders for GM’s bottom line.

Chrysler Corp. Drops the Eagle brand, which started life after the acquisition of AMC some ten years earlier. It had also been useful for the sale of badge engineered Mitsubishi product.

Ford buys the automobile side of Swedish manufacturer Volvo.

Honda sells 882,000 vehicles.

Ford replaces the Escort with the Focus, which is simultaneously introduced around the world. It also brings back a retro-styled Thunderbird two seater.

BMW introduces an SUV, the X5

DaimlerChrysler ends production of the Plymouth brand.

Toyota introduces its gas / electric hybrid, the Prius.

New car sales exceed 17 million. Due to overproduction, however, many are sold at a substantial discount and many manufacturers see more red ink. Ford lost $2 Billion and announced deep production cuts, layoffs, plant closures and the deletion of four models. Chrysler lost 2.5 Billion. GM makes a profit but plans to reduce production.

From Acura to Volvo, there are 39 car and truck brands on sale in the US. Each brand has multiple offerings, and each model has a variety of options. In a buyer's market, the range of choices before prospective buyers is truly amazing.

The EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency, in determining annual fuel efficiency and costs for all vehicles, assumes 15,000 as the average miles driven per year with a 55% city / 45% highway ratio.

Ford builds a Focus "FCV." or Fuel Cell Vehicle. This is the first such vehicle to be built to production standards in the world.

Porsche gets in on the SUV craze, with the introduction of the Cayenne.

Cadillac introduces a hot looking two seater, the XLR, a version of the latest Corvette, as a 2004 model.

Oldsmobile production comes to an end, just after its 100th anniversary.

Toyota outsells the Ford Motor Company globally for the first time. To combat its image as dull and uninteresting, an old person’s brand, Toyota introduces the Scion brand to attract younger buyers to its products.

Hyundai opens its first US factory in Montgomery, Alabama.

Toyota begins large pick-up truck production in San Antonio, TX, building the redesigned Tundra.

Average miles driven per year nationally is 12,000. There are more cars than licensed driver, 1,148 per 1,000.

Sales rankings were as follows: #1 – GM, #2 – Toyota, #3 – Daimler Chrysler, #4 – Ford. Light trucks comprised 53% of all sales.