Michigan history-Oldsmobile - Research Paper Example

Ransom E. Olds: Father of Auto Industry or Not? Ransom E. Old has been considered as father of automobile industry of the world due to his contributions and initiation of various innovations. However it is not a concrete fact, in fact a controversy about whom to call “father of auto industry”. Many historical events also strengthen the controversy, like the Oldsmobile that popularized Ransom was the idea of James Brady who was a time keeper at Jefferson’s plant. Brady actually won $5 reward in the contest of naming the brand.

His real suggestion was to name the brand as “Fussy Time Keeper” that Ransom had declined. In 1901, Oldsmobile got recognition in the United States as first car builder of the country that had sourced the components from external suppliers. Consequently, Ransom E. Old was began to be dubbed as the father of auto industry of America which Ransom had denied himself as he was out of country at that particular time (Mccleland). Later it was revealed that John De Lorean was the real father of auto industry of America who was executive engineer of General Motors and founder of John De Lorean Motors Company.

Especially the matter related to assembly lines that were claimed to be made by General Motors. The trip taken in the Oldsmobile to attract buyers was also failed badly and the car was severely damaged (Michael). Ransom E. Olds died in 1950 and his last words also settle in the controversy as he said, “If Oldsmobile croak today, then Buicks a goner a week from Monday or "Pursue utes” (Phillips). As a consequence it can be inferred that Ransom E. Olds was not obviously the father of auto industry of the United States.

In fact there were many other contributors of the industry including John De Lorean. Works CitedMccleland, Edward. Gale Encyclopedia of Biography: Ransom E. Olds. 2002.Michael, Berger. "The Automobile in American History and Culture: A Reference Guide." Greenwood Publishing Group. (1922): 40.Phillips, John. "What History can Teach us About Persons Named Ransom." 2001.