Who makes Oldsmobile?
Oldsmobile was an American automobile brand that was produced and marketed by General Motors (GM) from 1897 to 2004. Founded by Ransom E. Olds, Oldsmobile was one of the oldest automobile brands in the United States and played a significant role in the early development of the automotive industry.
The Origins of Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile was founded in 1897 by Ransom E. Olds, who had previously founded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company. The company's first model, the Oldsmobile Curved Dash, was introduced in 1901 and became one of the first mass-produced automobiles in the United States.
In 1908, Oldsmobile was acquired by General Motors, which would go on to own and operate the brand for the next 96 years. Under GM's ownership, Oldsmobile became known for its innovative engineering and design, introducing features such as the automatic transmission, the first mass-produced V8 engine, and the first modern front-wheel-drive car.
The Decline and Eventual Demise of Oldsmobile
Despite its long history and many innovations, Oldsmobile faced increasing competition from other GM brands, as well as foreign automakers, in the latter half of the 20th century. Sales began to decline in the 1980s and 1990s, and GM ultimately decided to discontinue the Oldsmobile brand in 2004 after 107 years of production.
The decision to discontinue Oldsmobile was a difficult one for GM, but it was seen as necessary to streamline the company's brand portfolio and focus on its more successful nameplates. The last Oldsmobile, an Alero, rolled off the assembly line on April 29, 2004, marking the end of an era for one of America's most iconic automotive brands.
Why did GM get rid of Pontiac?
Amid the financial crisis, General Motors needed a government bailout. Congress agreed but required the company to restructure its business and cut costs. In the end, GM decided to eliminate several brands, including Pontiac. The last car to wear the arrowhead badge was a G6, which ended production in early 2010.
Is Oldsmobile a Buick?
1984: With the reorganization of GM, Oldsmobile becomes a sales and marketing division in the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Group. Oldsmobile sells more cars this year than any other year. 1992: Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac becomes a corporate GM name only.
Who builds Oldsmobile engines?
Rocket Racing & Performance is a custom engine building facility that specializes in Oldsmobile Performance.
Why did Ford discontinue Mercury?
The End of the Road for Mercury
Stuck between more affordable and luxurious options, demand for Mercury vehicles suffered a gradual and irreversible decline. Ford didn't put much effort into maintaining the brand's unique identity, and later models like the Mercury Mariner were little more than rebadged Ford models.
Who owns Oldsmobile now?
The logos, trademarks, intellectual property, and rights of the Oldsmobile brand are still the possession and ownership of General Motors (GM). GM can do whatever it wants with all of that. If they want to sell it, they can. If GM just wants to sit on all of it they can do that as well.
Is Oldsmobile still making cars?
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. The American automobile manufacturer General Motors sold a number of vehicles under its marque Oldsmobile, which started out as an independent company in 1897 and was eventually shut down due to a lack of profitability in 2004.
Is Oldsmobile made by Chevy?
General Motors produced Oldsmobile cars for the majority of its existence. The company, established in 1897 by Ransom E. Olds, is still based in the US. In its 107-year existence, it manufactured 35.2 million cars, at least 14 million of which were made in its Lansing, Michigan, factory.
Why was Pontiac discontinued?
Amid the financial crisis, General Motors needed a government bailout. Congress agreed but required the company to restructure its business and cut costs. In the end, GM decided to eliminate several brands, including Pontiac. The last car to wear the arrowhead badge was a G6, which ended production in early 2010.
What car is the poor man's Cadillac?
The rarest of the 1957 Chevys, was the “Poor Man's Cadillac”, the El Morocco a customized full size car produced by Ruben Allender based on the 1956 and 1957 Chevy. For the first time ever, GM allowed an outsider to design a custom Chevy and this rare 1957 Chevy is an example of what happens when beauty meets beast.
Why did GM discontinue Oldsmobile?
In spite of Oldsmobile's critical successes since the mid-1990s, a reported shortfall in sales and overall profitability prompted General Motors to announce in December 2000 its plans to shut down the Oldsmobile organization.
