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CADILLAC

42 entries

American luxury division of General Motors, founded in 1902 and named after the French explorer who founded Detroit.

Founded: 22 August 1902, from the Henry Ford Company
Owner: General Motors, since 1909
Named after: Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac
Known for: The Dewar Trophy, first won in 1908

Cadillac was established in August 1902 from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company, with Henry M. Leland as its engineer. Its first cars, the Runabout and Tonneau, were completed in October 1902.

General Motors bought the company in 1909 and made it a prestige division. Cadillac won the Dewar Trophy in 1908 for demonstrating the interchangeability of its parts, and again in 1912 for electric starting and lighting.

1902Cadillac Automobile Company established
1908Dewar Trophy for interchangeable parts
1909Purchased by General Motors
1912Dewar Trophy for electric starting and lighting