It Was Studebaker Not Ford That Invented Crossover SUVs
Thursday, January 10th, 2013Too many automobile aficionados and downright car guys the nameplate “Studebaker” is associated with such advanced classic vehicles of their time – such as the Studebaker Avanti model introduced unbelievably in the 1963 auto market year. Complete decked out with a fiberglass body , futuristic styling , disc brakes and an optional turbocharged engine the Avanti still turns head and was way ahead of the pack of the car and vehicle products of the big 3 automakers of the time.
Studebaker released a leaner and lighter version of full-sized car in 1939, called “Champion.” However, the company contributed to the Second World War. The war did not affect their automobile production but they were able to manufactured prewar models then developing their new postwar designs. Studebaker employed Raymond Loewy, in which he was supported by Virgil Exner to conceptualize the new postwar car design. In 1947, Studebaker released the Loewy-Exner model. It was noticeable for its flat flanks, enclosed body, built-in fenders, and extraordinary trunk outline combined to form “three-box design.” The company also released Starlight, an innovative model that has a rear window enclosed from door to door.
Studebaker survived the lean economic times of the 1930′s ,merging with the luxury US automaker Piece-Arrow , during this troubled economic time period of the “Great Depression”. Perhaps such spunkiness , stick to it ness and determination might be a business model that the North American based auto industry could take great lessons from in the current shakeup , shakedown and troubled times of the North American auto industry.
Studebaker went on through its history releasing a number of products – some of whose names live on today in the nameplates of other vehicle manufacturers. The “Champion” in 1930 , postwar models with advanced styling and the famed “Starlight ” model with its rear windows enclosed from door to door. Take for example the brand name “Land Cruiser”. This was one of Studebaker’s 3 boxes like models which included the Studebaker “Land Cruiser “, “Commander” and “Champion Models”. All might be considered early on prototypes for current SUV models with extended rear doors, longer wheel bases and hoods alongside incorporated full length front fenders. Its rather amazing , or perhaps to be expected in the automotive industries , that is one little company who could be said to be innovator responsible for the development and introduction of our modern day SUVs and Crossovers. Larger companies – the “Big 3″ of Detroit who dominated the auto industry came to be down for their great bureaucratic malaise. GM for example became known as the “worst example” of this decision making by committee and committees. Nothing could be done and nothing really new innovated without going through myriads of approvals and working within the system. Yet it was Studebaker and not General Motors , Ford & Chrysler whom can be said to be the pioneering organization who laid the groundwork for a set of products , while too early in the marketplace for the survival of Studebaker , did rescue the US auto industry from oblivion with both their niche market sales and great bottom line profitability and profitabilities . Auto shoppers in the BC Lower Mainland & Vancouver can find good value and selection of SUVs & Crossovers at this website.
Studebaker will always remain in the history of automobiles. They proved their fame with the aid of their several designs in the past which was magnificent in quality and reliability.
Studebaker – a portion of the American Motors AMC /stjudbekr/ STEW-d-bay-kr Corporation was a United States wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868 under the name of the Studebaker – a portion of the American Motors AMC Brothers Manufacturing Company, .