Studebaker
Studebaker was an American wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana.
Studebaker was an American wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868, it began as a maker of wagons before entering automobile production in the early 1900s. The company ceased automobile production in 1966, including at its Hamilton, Ontario plant, after more than a century of operation.
History
Studebaker was founded by the Studebaker brothers in South Bend and grew from a small wagon shop into a major vehicle manufacturer. By the late 19th century it was a major producer of horse-drawn vehicles, then shifted into automobiles in the early 20th century.
Automobile production
Studebaker entered the auto industry with electric cars in 1902 and gasoline-powered cars in 1904. It later operated as an established automobile brand for decades before ending production in 1966.
Corporate development
The business was incorporated in 1868 as the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company. It later operated under the Studebaker Corporation name and was associated with a Times Square office in New York City.
Legacy
Studebaker is remembered for successfully transitioning from wagons and carriages to automobiles. Its history is often cited in studies of American industrial and automotive development.
Key facts
- Studebaker began as a blacksmith and wagon business in South Bend, Indiana, in 1852.
- It was incorporated in 1868 as the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company.
- The company first entered the automobile market with electric vehicles in 1902.
- Gasoline-powered Studebaker automobiles followed in 1904.
- Automobile production ended in March 1966, including operations at the Hamilton, Ontario plant.
Studebaker’s Hamilton, Ontario plant continued automobile production until March 1966, making the company part of Canadian automotive history as well as American industrial history.
Frequently asked questions
What was Studebaker?
When was Studebaker founded?
When did Studebaker start making cars?
Where was Studebaker headquartered?
When did Studebaker stop making cars?
Why is Studebaker historically notable?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StudebakerSupports: Founded in 1852; incorporated in 1868; South Bend, Indiana base; auto production began in 1902 with electric vehicles and in 1904 with gasoline vehicles; Times Square location.
- Smithsonian Institution — https://www.sil.si.edu/ondisplay/studebaker/intro.htmSupports: Studebaker began in South Bend in 1852; automobile production continued at the Hamilton, Ontario plant until March 1966.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Studebaker-familySupports: Studebaker family business started in 1852 in South Bend; first electric cars in 1902; gasoline-powered cars by 1904; ceased production in 1966.
- Studebaker Family National Association — https://www.studebakerfamily.org/brief-history/Supports: Historical family-business chronology; auto production began in 1902; gasoline cars followed in 1904.