Happy Birthday Henry Ford!

We at Payne Auto Group appreciate all the automotive geniuses that helped us get to where we are today. Today we take some time to recognize a giant in the industry: Henry Ford.

Henry Ford was born on July 30, 1863 on a farm in Greenfield Township, Michigan. Ford’s teenage years consisted of him disassembling and reassembling watches. Because of this, Ford soon garnered the reputation of a watch repairman.

Henry Ford with his Ford Quadricycle

In 1891 and at 28 years old, Ford became an engineer with Edison Illuminating Company. After about 2 years, Ford became Chief Engineer and started working on his personal projects in his free time. Of these personal projects came the Ford Quadricycle. The Ford Quadricycle consisted of a “simple frame with an ethanol-powered engine and four bicycle wheels mounted on it.” [X] The Quadricycle became a success and thus kickstarted Henry Ford Company and later Ford Motor Company in 1903.

Beginnings of the Ford Motor Company

Henry Ford

Launched in 1903 with $20,000 (roughly $801,783 in today’s terms) with 12 investors, two of which were John and Horace Dodge. Through the next 10 years Ford created the first moving assembly line. This practice made the products more accessible for the middle class.

In 1908 Ford introduced the Model T which was a hit with consumers. The Model T sold millions over the next 20 years. The Model A then replaced the Model T in 1927 as the first ever automobile with safety glass in the windshield. In 1932 Ford launched the first low-priced car with a V-8 engine.

Throughout the last 115 years Ford Motor Company has grown exponentially. The eyes are on the future with everything from sustainability with eco-friendly ideas. One of which is the Ford Mobility Solutions. This initiative states that “Ford will invest in a number of transportation initiatives in San Francisco, all of which are aimed at improving mobility in the Bay Area.” [X] These transportation inititives include a shuttle service and bike sharing kiosks.

Another innovation we can look forward to in 2020 is Ford’s first ever electric SUV, the Mach 1. Although the Mach 1 is still tightly under wraps, we can expect ” an all-electric SUV, good for 300 miles of driving between charges.” [X] Ford also is slated to invest $11 billion into their electric car market by 2022 and have “40 hybrid and fully electric vehicles in its model lineup.” [X]

Innovation is what Ford has become best at. From the first ever Model T to modern electric cars, we can only wait for what Ford has in store for us in the future!

 

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