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History
Timeline Henry Ford Manufacturers New Technology 
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In 1893, America's first gasoline-engine motor was in operation in a single-cylinder horseless carriage built from a design by brothers Charles E. and J. Frank Duryea. This became the first American-made car to have an electric ignition and a spray carburetor, both designed and built by J. Frank Duryea. In 1895, the first American company established to make gasoline cars was the Duryea Motor Wagon Company, organized by the Duryea brothers, and in 1986, 13 cars from the same design were built--the first time that more than one car was made from the same design in the United States. In 1898, William E. Metzger of Detroit established the first independent automotive dealership, and the electric cab service was initiated in New York. In 1899, the U.S. Post Office began to use motor vehicles for mail services. In 1900, the First National Automobile Show was held in New York City's Madison Square Garden with over 40,000 visitors and about 300 types of vehicles exhibited. During this time for the first time, gasoline engines were located under a hood by several American automobile manufacturers in the United States. 1901-1910
1911-1920 At the 1911 National Automobile Show, the four-door car became popular with nearly every manufacturer exhibiting a model of this kind. At the 12th National Automobile Show in 1912, automatic starters for cars became the popular exhibition. In 1914, the first stop sign to control traffic was installed in Detroit, and electric traffic lights were installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in August. In 1915, Ford production passed one million cars. In 1916, hand-operated windshield wipers, stop lights, and rear-view mirrors appeared as standard equipment on several cars. In 1919, the world's first three-color traffic light was installed in Detroit. In 1920, heaters became standard in cars. 1921-1930 At the 21st National Automobile Show in 1921, five, six, or even seven passenger touring cars became the most popular body style. The roadster-coupe appeared at the 1922 National Automobile Show, and it was primarily a business car, which consisted of a roadster body with a permanent top. Many cars introduced a gasoline gauge on the instrument panel in 1922 as well. During 1923, Ford production exceeded two million cars produced. In 1924, Ford produced its ten-millionth car. In 1925, the 25-millionth U.S. motor vehicle was produced. In 1926, hot water car heaters were introduced by car manufacturers in the U.S. In 1929, tail lamps on both sides of the car were introduced. In 1930, police cars were equipped with radios. 1931-1940 In 1933, power brakes became available on a number of makes. Also, valve seat inserts, independent wheel suspension, and reflex glass tail and stop lights were introduced. In 1935, a trend toward two-door and four-door sedans developed. In 1939, Pontiac began production of taxi-cabs. 1941-1950 In 1942, all automobile companies halted production of civilian passenger cars in February. Car rationing began in March, and the production of civilian trucks was halted in March as well. In 1946, power operated windows were introduced. In 1947, driver education courses were offered in many high schools. In 1948, the 100-millionth motor vehicle was produced in the U.S. 1951-1960 In 1951, power steering was offered by Chrysler and Buick. In 1955, improved Sealed Beam headlamps were installed in all new passenger cars. Safety door latches were made standard on nearly all makes, and manufacturers also increased emphasis on seat belts. In 1960, several all-weather radiator coolants were offered by antifreeze makers. Back to the top |
