The History of General Motors Company
General Motors Corporation was the top global manufacturer of cars and trucks for more than seven decades, employing more than a quarter-million people and creating a sustained consumer base that remains today. Up until the turn of the 21st century it held a majority market share of sales, but has since dropped to the second position behind Japanese automaker Toyota.
History
General Motors was founded in 1908 by entrepreneur William Durant who brought Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Pontiac, Chevrolet and the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, later GMC trucks, under one umbrella. Each vehicle was marketed to specific segments of the American public with Chevrolet sold as entry-level cars, Oldsmobile and Pontiac mid-range offerings and the Cadillac as its luxury marquee.
Significance
Under the innovative management of Alfred P. Sloan, GM's diverse holdings include its 1925 acquisition of Vauxhall Motors, Opel AG of Germany in 1929 and Yellow Cab in the 1930s.
Identification
Cars like the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, the 1955 to 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, the 1958 to 1959 Cadillac and the 1967 1969 Chevrolet Camaro are pop culture icons of America.
Considerations
GM stylist Harley Earl developed his legendary "planned obsolescence" scheme that required frequent auto design changes to encourage consumers to buy new cars, creating new consumer habits that remain today.
Features
The company reached its apex in automotive architecture with its massive tailfins on such cars as the 1957 Chevy and the 1959 Cadillac.
Effects
Wartime manufacturing led to the employment of women, paving the way for females in postwar America to enter the workforce.
Geography
General Motors is based in Detroit, Michigan with complexes in Flint and Lansing.
