Breaking Down the Auto Industry’s Most Notable Innovators
The automobile is easily one of the most important inventions ever created in the past five centuries. Dating all the way back to 1672, the original wave of automobiles were powered by steam. It wouldn’t be until the 1800s that the first automobiles with internal combustion engines finally arrived.
From there, the evolution of the automobile moved at a rapid pace. With each passing year, engineers and automakers found ways to create automobiles that were faster, more efficient, and offered superior handling compared to previous iterations. However, these leaps in progress weren’t orchestrated by one person.
The advancement of the auto world was driven by industry leaders who were able to realize the potential of innovative ideas. The following is a breakdown of the biggest auto tycoons in history and the lasting impact they made. Afterwards, we’ll break down how to find the best new cars for sale in Houston.
Karl Benz
To say that Karl Benz was a leading pioneer of the modern automobile is a massive understatement. In 1885, Benz earned his spot in the annals of history by engineering and designing the first practical automobile that used a combustion engine.
Gottlieb Daimler
Similar to Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler was another early pioneer of the automotive industry. In 1882, Daimler and his partner started their own firm that specialized in making high-speed internal-combustion engines and was the lead developer in the creation of the carburetor, which is the piece of equipment that enables gasoline to be used as fuel.
Wilhelm Maybach
One of the leading industrialists and designers of the 19th century, Wilhelm Maybach was dubbed the “King of Designers” for his prolific development of high-speed internal-combustion engines for early Mercedes models of vehicles, motorcycles, and boats. In 1919, he started his own luxury line of vehicles, aptly titled the Maybach. The Mercedes-Maybach brand lives on to this day.
Henry Ford
Founder of the Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford remains the epitome of American automotive tycoons. He got his start in the late 1800s building internal-combustion engines, which would evolve into a career of designing and building several different race cars to compete with the European automakers. In 1903, Ford and several partners created Ford Motor Company, which is now regarded as one of the most successful global automotive brands in the industry.
W.O. Bentley
The Bentley name has long been synonymous with speed and prestige in the automotive industry. Walter Owen Bentley was an automotive engineer and founder of Bentley Motors Limited, which would go on to create some of the finest luxury vehicles in history along with several race cars that won multiple championships in the 1920s.
Soichiro Honda
Soichiro Honda was an industrialist and engineer, widely regarded as one of the main figures responsible for putting Japanese automobiles on the map. He founded Honda Motor Company in 1948 and oversaw its growth from its modest beginnings of building bicycle motors to one of the major players in motorcycles and automobiles. The Honda brand of vehicles remains one of the most popular in the world.
William Chrysler
Similar to Henry Ford, William Chrysler is another automaker that is synonymous with America’s success in creating high quality vehicles; however, much of his best work often goes uncredited. Chrysler started off as a railroad mechanic before transitioning over to the world of automobiles in 1911. Chrysler’s first position in automobiles was as a production chief for Buick Motor Company. He made such a significant impact at the company that he was offered a record salary when he tried to resign from his post in 1916. After putting in a few more successful years with Buick, Chrysler would eventually go on to form the Chrysler Corporation in 1925. Additionally, he purchased and assumed control over the Dodge brand, cementing him as one of the most successful auto tycoons in history. Chrysler was even inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1967.
Enzo Ferrari
Enzo Ferrari got his start in the automotive world in 1919 as one of the sport’s leading race car drivers. He raced for Alfa Romeo for several years before deciding to leave in an effort to do something bigger – create his own line of vehicles. Finally, in 1947, Ferrari debuted the first of many vehicles that would share his namesake. With a keen acumen for what it takes to build a winning race car, Enzo Ferrari would spend the next several years creating some of the fastest vehicles the world had ever seen. The name Ferrari became synonymous with winning championships.
How to Find a New Vehicle for Sale NearYou
Now that you know more about some of the most influential and innovative leaders and inventors in the automobile world, the next step is to find a vehicle that has all the hallmarks of a champion. The best way to get started is by searching the phrase “new cars for sale near me,” which will bring up numerous dealerships in your area. From there, it’s a matter of filtering down to the very best vehicle that’s within your budget and meets your expectations on performance and features.
