The history will never forget how Studebaker created their name in producing wagons in 1852. They started making electric automobile and gasoline-powered cars in 1902. Studebaker stood out in the market because of their quality and reliable cars that became famous in making new speed records. Though they experienced trouble after uniting with Piece-Arrow in 1933, they still able to survive through the released of the 1930s Depression.
Studebaker released a leaner and lighter version of full-sized car in 1939, called "Champion." However, the company contributed to the Second World War. The war did not affect their automobile production but they were able to manufactured prewar models then developing their new postwar designs. Studebaker employed Raymond Loewy, in which he was supported by Virgil Exner to conceptualize the new postwar car design. In 1947, Studebaker released the Loewy-Exner model. It was noticeable for its flat flanks, enclosed body, built-in fenders, and extraordinary trunk outline combined to form "three-box design." The company also released Starlight, an innovative model that has a rear window enclosed from door to door.
Studebaker survived the lean economic times of the 1930's ,merging with the luxury US automaker Piece-Arrow , during this troubled economic time period of the "Great Depression". Perhaps such spunkiness , stick to it greatness as well as determination might be a business model that the North American based auto industry could take great lessons from in the current shakeup , shakedown and troubled times of the North American auto industry. Yet although other major domestic US auto makers such as Ford, GM & Chrysler survived its hard to see how the lookalike products whether it be a Ford Escape driving on Winnipeg & Manitoba roads and highways differs much in appearance and styling than similar Chevrolet , Buick or Chrysler/Dodge SUV Sport Utility Crossovers as well as other vehicles. Its a shame. On top of that most associate former "American Motors" ,( now merged with Chrysler Chryco), with Rambler products not with the rich legacies of Packard, Piece Arrow & Studebakers.
Studebaker went on through its history releasing a number of products - some of whose names live on today in the nameplates of other vehicle manufacturers. The "Champion" in 1930 , postwar models with advanced styling and the famed "Starlight " model with its rear windows enclosed from door to door. Take for example the brand name "Land Cruiser". This was one of Studebaker's 3 boxes like models which included the Studebaker "Land Cruiser ", "Commander" and "Champion Models". All might be considered early on prototypes for current SUV models with extended rear doors, longer wheel bases and hoods alongside incorporated full length front fenders. Its rather amazing , or perhaps to be expected in the automotive industries , that is one little company who could be said to be innovator responsible for the development and introduction of our modern day SUVs and Crossovers. Larger companies - the "Big 3" of Detroit who dominated the auto industry came to be down for their great bureaucratic malaise. GM for example became known as the "worst example" of this decision making by committee and committees. Nothing could be done and nothing really new innovated without going through myriads of approvals and working within the system. Yet it was Studebaker and not General Motors , Ford & Chrysler whom can be said to be the pioneering organization who laid the groundwork for a set of products , while too early in the marketplace for the survival of Studebaker , did rescue the US auto industry from oblivion with both their niche market sales and great bottom line profitability and profit-abilities
Just what happened to this wonderful American institution in the transportation industries , that had such a rich , vibrant and varied set of histories? Studebaker just was bleeding red ink. Company losses just never seemed to end in the 1950's. Reasons included high labor costs - wages were the highest in the US auto industry, and low sales due to a price war between G.M. & Ford. The firm was merged with the mighty Packard Company. Yet even the renown and profitability of this highest of end , lucrative brand were not enough to stem the flow of company financial losses. A yet larger merger was constructed - whose corporate brand was American Motors & later AMC. AMC - best known now not for its "Rambler" series of compact cars but also the Jeep line has been absorbed as part of Chrysler and the Chrysler Group LLC. Who knows in 2013 and future years , with marketing emphasis on well earned retro vehicles and badging we may see the revival of nameplates such as Studebaker & even Packard back on American & Canadian roads and highways.
Studebaker released a leaner and lighter version of full-sized car in 1939, called "Champion." However, the company contributed to the Second World War. The war did not affect their automobile production but they were able to manufactured prewar models then developing their new postwar designs. Studebaker employed Raymond Loewy, in which he was supported by Virgil Exner to conceptualize the new postwar car design. In 1947, Studebaker released the Loewy-Exner model. It was noticeable for its flat flanks, enclosed body, built-in fenders, and extraordinary trunk outline combined to form "three-box design." The company also released Starlight, an innovative model that has a rear window enclosed from door to door.
Studebaker survived the lean economic times of the 1930's ,merging with the luxury US automaker Piece-Arrow , during this troubled economic time period of the "Great Depression". Perhaps such spunkiness , stick to it greatness as well as determination might be a business model that the North American based auto industry could take great lessons from in the current shakeup , shakedown and troubled times of the North American auto industry. Yet although other major domestic US auto makers such as Ford, GM & Chrysler survived its hard to see how the lookalike products whether it be a Ford Escape driving on Winnipeg & Manitoba roads and highways differs much in appearance and styling than similar Chevrolet , Buick or Chrysler/Dodge SUV Sport Utility Crossovers as well as other vehicles. Its a shame. On top of that most associate former "American Motors" ,( now merged with Chrysler Chryco), with Rambler products not with the rich legacies of Packard, Piece Arrow & Studebakers.
Studebaker went on through its history releasing a number of products - some of whose names live on today in the nameplates of other vehicle manufacturers. The "Champion" in 1930 , postwar models with advanced styling and the famed "Starlight " model with its rear windows enclosed from door to door. Take for example the brand name "Land Cruiser". This was one of Studebaker's 3 boxes like models which included the Studebaker "Land Cruiser ", "Commander" and "Champion Models". All might be considered early on prototypes for current SUV models with extended rear doors, longer wheel bases and hoods alongside incorporated full length front fenders. Its rather amazing , or perhaps to be expected in the automotive industries , that is one little company who could be said to be innovator responsible for the development and introduction of our modern day SUVs and Crossovers. Larger companies - the "Big 3" of Detroit who dominated the auto industry came to be down for their great bureaucratic malaise. GM for example became known as the "worst example" of this decision making by committee and committees. Nothing could be done and nothing really new innovated without going through myriads of approvals and working within the system. Yet it was Studebaker and not General Motors , Ford & Chrysler whom can be said to be the pioneering organization who laid the groundwork for a set of products , while too early in the marketplace for the survival of Studebaker , did rescue the US auto industry from oblivion with both their niche market sales and great bottom line profitability and profit-abilities
Just what happened to this wonderful American institution in the transportation industries , that had such a rich , vibrant and varied set of histories? Studebaker just was bleeding red ink. Company losses just never seemed to end in the 1950's. Reasons included high labor costs - wages were the highest in the US auto industry, and low sales due to a price war between G.M. & Ford. The firm was merged with the mighty Packard Company. Yet even the renown and profitability of this highest of end , lucrative brand were not enough to stem the flow of company financial losses. A yet larger merger was constructed - whose corporate brand was American Motors & later AMC. AMC - best known now not for its "Rambler" series of compact cars but also the Jeep line has been absorbed as part of Chrysler and the Chrysler Group LLC. Who knows in 2013 and future years , with marketing emphasis on well earned retro vehicles and badging we may see the revival of nameplates such as Studebaker & even Packard back on American & Canadian roads and highways.
About the Author:
From 1950, the pioneering US auto maker declined rapidly and, by 1954, was losing money. It negotiated a strategic takeover by Packard, a smaller but less financially troubled car manufacturer.
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