Studebaker was an American wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana, established in 1852 as a coachbuilder. The company entered the automotive business in 1902, producing electric vehicles, and later gasoline vehicles. Studebaker earned a reputation for quality, durability, and reliability over the next 50 years. After an unsuccessful 1954 merger with Packard, the Studebaker name was restored in 1962, but automobile production ceased in 1966. Studebaker continued as an independent manufacturer before merging with Wagner Electric and Worthington Corporation to form Studebaker-Worthington.
History
- Studebaker Corporation was a United States-based automobile manufacturer that operated from 1852 to 1967.
- The company was originally founded in 1852 as a wagon and carriage manufacturer.
- Studebaker began producing electric vehicles in the early 1900s, and then switched to gasoline-powered cars in 1904.
- Studebaker gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s with stylish and affordable vehicles such as the Studebaker President.
- During World War II, Studebaker shifted its production to military vehicles and became one of the largest suppliers of trucks for the U.S. Army.
- In the post-war years, Studebaker faced tough competition from the "Big Three" American automakers and struggled financially.
- Studebaker tried to compete with new designs like the futuristic Avanti sports car, but it was not successful.
- In 1964, Studebaker merged with the Packard Motor Car Company, which was also struggling, but the merger did not save either company.
Studebaker closed its South Bend, Indiana plant in 1963 and ended production in Canada in 1966.
The last Studebaker rolled off the assembly line on March 16, 1966, and the company officially went out of business on March 17, 1967.
