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Cadillac history
In 1902, Cadillac Automobile Company is organized in Detroit by Henry M.
Leland, a precision manufacturer of automotive components.
In 1905, Cadillac produces the Osceola, a single-cylinder favourite of
Henry Leland and the first step-in closed-car design. The body was built
under the supervision of Fred J. Fisher (who later founded Fisher Body
with his brothers) in the Wilson Body Company plant in Detroit.
In 1907, Henry M. Leland establishes the Cadillac School of Applied
Mechanics, the first school to train machinists, technicians and
toolmakers.
In 1908, Cadillac wins the Dewar trophy of the Royal Automobile Club in
London for demonstrating interchangeability of parts, a basic element in
mass production.
In 1909, General Motors purchases Cadillac for $5.5 million on July 29,
1909. Henry M. Leland and his son, Wilfred, are invited to continue
operating Cadillac. They do so until 1917, when they leave to form
Lincoln Motor Co.
In 1910, Cadillac is the first American manufacturer to offer closed
bodies as standard equipment, revolutionizing motoring convenience by
providing cleanliness and all-weather comfort.
In 1911, Charles F. Kettering's milestone invention, the electric
self-starter, is first installed in a Cadillac on February 27, 1911.
Kettering had organized his company, the Dayton Engineering Laboratories
Company, in 1909 for the purpose of working on developments in the
automotive field.
In 1912, Cadillac adopts the electric self-starter as standard
equipment. Cadillac's self-starter wins the Dewar Trophy as the most
important automotive contribution of the year.
In 1914, Cadillac is the first manufacturer in the U.S. to produce a
V-type, water-cooled, eight-cylinder engine. The 314-cubic-inch engine
produces 70 horsepower at 2,400 RPM and is the first major step in
development of high-speed, high-compression automotive engines.
Cadillac becomes the first in the auto industry to use thermostatic
control of a cooling system. In 1915, Cadillac's V-8 engine is installed
in all its models and the V-8 emblem is added to Cadillac designs.
Tilt-beam headlights operated by a handle on the dash are introduced on
Cadillac for improved night-time visibility. In 1921, the Clark Street
Cadillac factory begins production. At the time, it is the most modern
plant in the industry. It remains in production until 1987.
In 1926, Cadillac becomes the first in the auto industry to develop a
comprehensive service policy and provide it on a nationwide basis.
In 1927, the milestone 1927 model-year Cadillac La Salle is introduced.
This is the first production car designed by a stylist. It was designed
by the legendary Harley Earl.
In 1928, Cadillac introduces shatter-resistant safety glass in all
windows of 1929 Cadillac and LaSalle models. In 1929, Cadillac becomes
the first to adopt chrome plating as standard on its cars. The 1930
Cadillac 'V-16' is the industry's first production car to offer
sixteen-cylinder engine and immediately sets a new standard for power,
performance, and luxury.
In 1948, Cadillac and Oldsmobile introduce the industry's first
high-compression V8 engines. The Oldsmobile 'Rocket' V-8 engine goes
into production and the 'Rocket Era' begins.
In 1949, Cadillac introduces the Coupe de Ville, which is also
Cadillac's first hardtop. In 1952, Power steering is offered by
Cadillac, Oldsmobile and Buick. In 1953, 12-volt electrical systems,
developed by Delco Remy Division, are installed on Cadillac’s,
Oldsmobile’s and Buicks.
In 1954, Cadillac becomes the first auto company to provide power
steering and automatic windshield washers as standard equipment on all
its vehicles.
The industry's first four-door 'pillarless' hardtop sedans are offered
by Buick and Oldsmobile on 1955 models. The following year, Cadillac
offers the feature on the 1956 Sedan de Ville.
Cruise control is offered on 1959 Cadillac’s. In 1962, a new
dual-circuit braking system is introduced on Cadillac cars. In 1966,
Cadillac's front-wheel drive Fleetwood Eldorado is introduced as a 1967
model. The 'last' American convertible is built by Cadillac in April
1976. (Convertibles are reintroduced in 1984.) In 1984, a new
organizational structure for GM's North American Passenger Car
Operations is formed. Two integrated car groups, Chevrolet, Pontiac, GM
of Canada (C-P-C) and Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac (B-O-C), each have
complete responsibility for their respective products, including
engineering, manufacturing, assembly and marketing.
In 1992, Cadillac Motor Car Company Engineering and Manufacturing and
Flint Automotive Division are consolidated into one organization -
Cadillac/Luxury Car Engineering and Manufacturing Division (CLCD).
In 1996, General Motors announces that OnStar, a new advanced hands-free
in-vehicle communication system using Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite technology and cellular phone technology, will be introduced
as an option on all 1997 model front-wheel-drive Cadillac’s.
In 2001, Cadillac unveils its all-new CTS, a radical departure from
traditional Cadillac styling, at the Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance
in California.
In 2002, Cadillac celebrates its hundredth anniversary. In 2003,
Cadillac unveils the Cadillac Sixteen concept car, featuring a
16-cylinder, 1000-horsepower engine.
In 2004, Cadillac reasserts itself as a luxury nameplate leader,
surpassing rival Lexus in the 2004 J.D. Power Initial Quality Ratings.
Overall, General Motors' vehicle brands score a ten percent improvement
in initial quality. |
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