Automobiles are an important part of everyday life. They transport millions of people around the world and are the primary mode of transportation for families. Currently, there are 1.4 billion passenger cars worldwide, one-quarter of which are in the United States. In the United States alone, Americans travel over three trillion miles each year. Approximately 70 million new cars are built each year. The number of new models is rising as manufacturers are introducing new designs more frequently.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford I in 1903. He retained the title of chairman until his death in 1947. The next president of Ford Motor Company was Ernest Breech, who implemented recovery strategies, adopted the General Motors management structure, and aimed to expand into foreign markets. Under Breech, Ford Motor Company started recording profits and gained strength in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His top priorities were profit margins and development of automobiles for an increasingly complex market.
The company’s products are sold in over a hundred countries worldwide. Its manufacturing operations span 262 U.S. and 81 foreign locations, and it has 162 subsidiaries. The company has been a major American business for over a century, but its growth has been somewhat slow recently. Despite the tough economy, Ford is still a major automaker, with manufacturing facilities in the United States and abroad.
Benz
Benz Automobiles is a brand of commercial and luxury vehicles from Germany. Its headquarters are in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. Its name refers to its luxury cars. The company has more than 100 years of experience in the automotive industry and produces some of the most luxurious vehicles in the world.
In 1893, Carl Benz patented a double-pivot steering system that solved an important automobile problem: a lack of steering power. The Victoria was the first Benz with this design. The Victoria was the first production car with a three-horsepower engine and was produced in large numbers. Benz also produced notable sports cars, such as the supercharged SSK. It was the first production car with a rear-mounted engine and produced about 16 hp (12 kW).
Mercedes-Benz automobiles have many unique features, making them the most technologically advanced vehicles in the world. The company has pioneered the use of many new safety features, as well as innovative design. In 1998, Daimler-Benz and Chrysler merged their businesses, creating DaimlerChrysler AG.
