GM

General Motors, a name synonymous with American automotive might, has a history as complex and influential as the nation itself. Founded in 1908 by William Durant, GM wasn't born from a single vision, but rather a consolidation of existing brands, a strategy that shaped its future. This early approach, acquiring companies like Buick, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac, allowed GM to offer a broad range of vehicles, a strategy that quickly propelled it to industry leadership.

Throughout the 20th century, GM innovated, introducing features like electric starters and automatic transmissions that became industry standards. Its design language, particularly under the influence of Harley Earl, defined automotive aesthetics for decades. However, its size and structure also became its weakness. Bureaucracy and internal competition, particularly in the later decades, hampered innovation and responsiveness to changing market demands.

The company's financial struggles, culminating in the 2009 bankruptcy, served as a stark reminder of the challenges of maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving global market. Today, GM, having restructured, continues to produce a diverse range of vehicles, including electric models, and remains a major player, albeit one forever marked by the lessons of its past.