.png)
.webp)
© History Oasis
These automotive leaders and CEOs shaped entire industries through bold decisions, radical thinking, and relentless pursuit of their vision.
Founder of Ford Motor Company (1906-1919)
Ford built his first steam engine at 15 in his own machine shop. He revolutionized manufacturing with the assembly line, making the Model T half of America’s cars by 1918. Ford paid workers $5 daily—double the standard—to reduce turnover and create customers.
CEO of Ford Motor Company (1945-1979)
When Ford’s grandfather became mentally unfit, the company was losing $10 million monthly. Ford II then became the CEO, fired his violent security chief, and hired ten former Air Force officers called the “Whiz Kids.” The Whiz Kids transformed chaos into disciplined management systems that are still used in the company today.
CEO of Chrysler (1978-1992)
The son of an Italian immigrant hot-dog vendor became America’s first celebrity CEO. Lee Iacocca cut his salary to $1 and starred in TV ads admitting Chrysler’s mistakes. His turnaround worked—the company repaid government loans seven years early.
CEO of General Motors (1923-1946)
Alfred Sloan created GM’s modern automobile conglomerate with Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac. Each brand served different income levels without competing. The strategy worked. GM profits grew from $53 million in 1922 to $1.19 billion by 1955—double the next largest company of the time.
CEO of Tesla (2008-present)
Born in South Africa, Elon Musk co-founded PayPal before investing $55 million in Tesla. He fired 25 percent of workers in 2008. His most famous publicity stunt includes launching a Tesla Roadster into space while playing David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” on repeat.
CEO of Toyota (2009-2023)
Akio Toyoda had a wild ride as Toyota’s CEO. He famously raced under the alias “Morizo Kinoshita,” finishing first in class at Nürburgring’s 24 Hours. He crashed the first GR Yaris test car, saying he didn’t like its feel. After 8.5 million vehicle recalls, he testified before Congress. He said he was “deeply sorry”.
CEO of Volkswagen (1993-2002)
Ferdinand Porsche’s grandson, Ferdinand Piëch, transformed Audi into a BMW competitor. Piëch fired anyone who made the same mistake twice.
CEO of BMW (2019-present)
Oliver Zipse’s supervisory board chairman called him “a decisive strategic and analytical leader.” As CEO, he has focused on electric vehicle transformation and digital mobility services. Zipse pushed BMW’s electrification strategy forward, expanding the company’s electric model lineup and investing in battery technology partnerships.
CEO of Harley Davidson (1971-1997)
William Davidson led the 1981 buyout that saved Harley-Davidson from extinction. He championed the “Buy Back the Bar” campaign and trademarked the distinctive Harley sound. His work transformed motorcycles from transportation into a lifestyle brand.
Founder of Hertz (1918-1923)
At 22, Jacobs founded Hertz with $2,500 and twelve Model T Fords. He created the car rental industry with standardized rates and maintenance. Jacobs sold the company to John Hertz for $1 million in 1923.
.webp)
Founder of Rolls-Royce (1904-1933)
Sir Henry Royce insisted on building “the best car in the world, regardless of cost.” He tested every component personally, saying his cars should run “like a sewing machine.” His Silver Ghost earned the title “The Best Car in the World.”
Founder of Goodyear (1898-1921)
Frank Seiberling founded Goodyear with $3,500 borrowed against his life insurance. He built the world’s largest tire manufacturer through straight-side tires. He also innovated with the Goodyear Blimp and tire cord technology that revolutionized the tire industry.
Founder of Mercedes (1890-1900)
Gottlieb Daimler invented the first practical internal combustion engine in 1885 and built the world’s first motorcycle. His engines powered the first Mercedes cars, named after his partner’s daughter. He predicted engines would power land, sea, and air vehicles.
Founder of Mitsubishi (1870-1885)
Yataro Iwasaki founded Mitsubishi in 1870, starting with shipping and expanding into mining, shipbuilding, and cars. He created the three-diamond logo still used today. His philosophy emphasized calculated risks and adapting to changing markets.
Founder of Honda (1948-1973)
Soichiro Honda started with motorized bicycles, personally racing motorcycles and cars to test them. He said, “Success is 99% failure,” emphasizing learning from mistakes. Honda pioneered CVCC engines and became the first Japanese automaker in America.
CEO of Nissan (1933-1945)
Yoshisuke Aikawa transformed Nissan into Japan’s second-largest automaker. He pioneered mass production in Japan and built the first overseas plant in Manchuria.
CEO of Kia (1974-1997)
Kim Sun-hong transformed Kia from a bicycle maker to an automaker, launching the Brisa passenger car in 1974. He established partnerships with Ford and Mazda, guiding rapid expansion through the 1980s and 1990s before the Asian financial crisis.
CEO of Suzuki (1978-2021)
Osamu Suzuki led his company for 43 years, transforming it from motorcycles to cars. He pioneered Japan’s mini-car segment and built successful partnerships in India with Maruti. His focus on fuel-efficient, affordable cars dominated emerging markets.
Founder of Renault (1899-1944)
Louis Renault built France’s largest automaker with his brothers. He pioneered direct drive systems and turbocharging. Renault won the first Grand Prix in 1906 and produced tanks during World War I, including the famous Renault FT.
Founder of Lamborghini (1963-1974)
After a clutch dispute with Enzo Ferrari, tractor maker Lamborghini decided to build the perfect sports car. He hired top Ferrari and Maserati engineers to create the 350GT, Miura, and Countach. His bull logo reflected his Taurus zodiac sign.
.webp)
.webp)