1908 Timeline

253 Companies make cars in the US. Where are they now? The 3 leading sellers were Ford, Maxwell and EMF.

US company Cadillac wins the British Royal Automobile Club's Dewar Trophy for precision interchangeable parts.

British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith calls for a heavy tax on autos, proclaiming them "a luxury that is apt to degenerate into a nuisance."

New York to Paris automobile rally starts in Times Square. A US made Thomas Flyer will win.

Cincinnati mayor proposes banning women drivers.

William C. Durant organizes the General Motors holding company, combining Buick, Cadillac, Oakland and Oldsmobile. Within 3 years it will be in serious financial trouble due in part to some unprofitable acquisitions such as the 2 cycle Elmore, the expensive and luxurious Welch automobile, and the friction drive Cartercar. Durant will resign but retain a large amount of stock in the company.

First electric lighting system for autos sold in Great Britain.

Oil is discovered in Persia at the site of a Zoroastrian temple.

(from The Flying Lady, July/August 2008, publication of the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club)