Automobile Industry History

The history of Automobile Industry can be traced back to 19th century when animals, mainly horses were used to drag a four wheeled carriage, while the year 1886 is regarded as the birth year of modern day automobile when a German inventor Carl Benz first patented the Motorwagen. Since then the industry has come a long way, from internal combustion engine vehicles to Hybrid fuel and Elon Musk Tesla Motors, a complete range of electric cars. The automobile industry is a network of many other OEMs and organizations coming together to design, develop, manufacture, assemble, market and sell the motor vehicles. All major stakeholders of the industry can be listed as below129 years of the rich history of the automobile industry can be divided into

But this era marks the beginning of mass production and the establishment of Henry Ford Motor Company.

2. Brass or Edwardian Era, 1905-1914: Named after the widespread use of Brass in automobile manufacturing in US. Some process standardization was observed, like front –engine rear wheel drive and sliding gear transmission across the industry. Rapid innovation was still the hallmark of the industry. Ford model T was developed in this era, which was also proclaimed as the most influential car of the 20th century. Open cars were still dominant in the market, with wooden interiors. Closed body were in the initial phase of development.

3. Vintage Era, 1918 – 1929: This era started after the end of First World War and continued till the Great Depression of 1929. Front engine and closed body cars began to dominate the market and standardized controls were the norm in the industry. Preston Tucker the father of modern automotive technology, came forward with many revolutionary inventions like bringing all the controls closer to the steering wheel, rear motor and emphasis on designing the safety car. Production units were increasing in size, reducing the prize through consolidation of manufacturing and

Post War Era, 1946 – 1990: The war had significant impact on the industry, automobile design and production started emerging from the military orientation. This era saw the emergence and fall of powerful gas guzzling cars in the developed market, particularly in US due to weak economy, fuel crisis of 1980’s and tighter carbon emission laws, smaller sized cars started gaining popularity. And the rise of Japan as leading automaker in 1960’s marked the end of muscle car era and beginning of fuel efficient and economic cars.

6. Modern Era, 1990 - : Modern era starts with the emphasis on further consolidation, standardization, platform sharing, computer aided designing and alternate fuel technology. Hybrid cars and electric cars make their way into the commercial market. Passenger car segment is now mainly divided into Hatchback, Sedan, SUVs and MUV. Innovation started towards auto pilot cars, connected cars and fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency and engine output saw incremental growth. High customer expectations and digital disruption will lead this