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How Did Gm Expand American Dreams Horizons And Change The World

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Who could have anticipated the public fascination with the automobile would expand Americans dreams, horizons and change the world? Let's take a look to General Motors (GM) for inspiration. This company formed the foundation for it's beginnings on September 16, 1908 with William "Billy" Durant, a leading manufacturer of horse-drawn vehicles in Flint, MI. At its infancy, GM held only the Buick Motor Company. Throughout the years, GM would grow to acquire 20 plus companies including Oldsmobile, Cadillac, and Oakland, (otherwise known as Pontiac). As demand for automobiles increased during the 1920s, GM was there setting the hallmark for marketing innovation, production and cutting edge design...their philosophy "a car for every purse and purpose." During these years of spectacular growth beyond anyone's imagination, GM would also open over a dozen new plants outside the United States. …show more content…

The catalyst for the change may well have been the supremely curvaceous Cadillac LaSalle! Sleek curves had replaced the former sharp corners, and the low ride was now 'all that'. This design, by Harley Earl, marked the beginning of the automotive design race today! (Earl would head GM's design studio until his retirement in 1959). During the WWII era, one hundred percent of GM's production was reported to support of the Allied war effort. GM would deliver more than $12 billion worth of military supplies to American troops, to include airplanes, trucks and

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