Storied Independent Automakers: Nash, Hudson, and American Motors

Great Lakes Books Series

by Charles K. Hyde

With roots extending back to the first decade of the twentieth century, Nash Motor Company and the Hudson Motor Car Company managed to compete and even prosper as independent producers until they merged in 1954 to form the American Motors Company, which itself remained independent until it was bought in 1987 by the Chrysler Corporation. In Storied Independent Automakers, renowned automotive scholar Charles K. Hyde argues that these companies, while so far neglected by auto history scholars, made notable contributions to automotive engineering and styling and were an important part of the American automobile industry.

Hyde investigates how the relatively small corporations struggled in a postwar marketplace increasingly dominated by the giant firms of Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler, which benefited from economies of scale in styling, engineering, tooling, marketing, and sales. He examines the innovations that kept the independents' products distinctive from those of the Big Three and allowed them to survive and sometimes prosper against their larger competitors. Hyde also focuses on the visionary leaders who managed the companies, including Charles Nash, Roy D. Chapin, Howard Coffin, George Mason, George Romney, and Roy D. Chapin Jr., who have been largely unexamined by other scholars. Finally, Hyde analyzes the ultimate failure of the American Motors Company and the legacy it left for carmakers and consumers today.

Storied Independent Automakers is based on extensive research in archival collections generated by the three companies. Residing in large part in the DaimlerChrysler Corporate Collection, these sources have been seldom tapped by other scholars before this volume. Auto historians and readers interested in business history will enjoy Storied Independent Automakers.

328 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and in depth study of the history of the companies. The story was broken down by the leadership teams giving a suggestion that some of the management did much better than others. It was interesting to those of use who like history, and automobiles, but I personally found it more detailed than I needed. But it was quite informative, and left me understanding the demise of these companies a bit better.

[Don Brenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical documentation

This historical documentation provides an understandiing of how we have the current automobile manufacturers. It shows how that's manufacturers helped win the second world war.

[James Wazorick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Turgid writing that doesn't relate what must nap an exciting story. I own a home on the site of the Kenosha Lakeshore Assembly plant and I was expecting more.

[Jack D. Riner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best coverage of Nash, Hudson and AMC that I have read. Really excellently researched and provides on insights behind the men running the companies. Very readable, engaging and well written.

[Daryl Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read about the US auto industry. The independents played a big role in helping the majors OEM's to where they are today - always pushing innovation and improvement