Here are just a few of those historic highlights.

December 1, 1913

The moving assembly line introduced by the Ford Motor Company is installed in Highland Park.

Not only did this assembly line innovation greatly improve efficiency, it also afforded Ford the advantage to sell cars for less than the competition.

Ford was able to ramp up assembly of the Model T to produce one car every 2-1/2 minutes.

December 2, 1902

The first working prototype of the V-8 engine was patented in France by Leon-Marie-Joseph-Clement Levavasseur, a French engine designer.

His patent featured an engine block with eight pistons arranged in a “V” format which when engaged, delivered superior power to the engine.

December 4, 1971

In what will be remembered as the largest safety recall in automotive history, General Motors initiated a voluntary recall of 6,700,000 vehicles with the potential of motor mount failure.

On this same day in 1984, General Motors announced the end of diesel engine production due to heavy exhaust, noise and stricter emission guidelines.

December 6, 1955

For more conformity throughout the country, the U.S. Federal Government mandated a standard size of license plates. Before the change, each state designed individual plates with varied appearances and sizes.

December 6, 1955

The “Volkswagen” trademark was registered in Wolfsburg, Germany.

December 7, 1965

For the first time in its history, Chevrolet produced its 3,000,000^th vehicle this year, surpassing annual production totals of all prior years.

December 10, 1915

On this day, the Ford Motor Company produced its 1,000,000^th Model T, made possible by the moving assembly line innovation initiated in 1913.

December 13, 1939

A sought-after luxury vehicle even today, the first production model of the Lincoln Continental was completed on this day.

December 17, 1963

The first piece of legislation regulating pollution generated by the automobile industry, U.S. Congress passes the Clean Air Act.

The first of many industry regulations to control air pollution and protect the environment.

December 21, 1926

The “Pontiac” trademark was registered by General Motors.

December 22, 1952

The first Corvette prototype is completed. The first production model was released approximately six months later.

The first production run of 300 Corvettes were assembled by hand and cost between $50,000-$60,000 each to build.

December 25, 1878

On this day, Louis-Joseph Chevrolet was born in Switzerland.

Conclusion

The automotive industry as it is today would simply not have been possible without each and every attempt, patent, failure, and success. Hats off to the courageous innovators who kept reaching to further automotive industry growth throughout history.

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