Legend: The Six Giants Who Changed the Automotive Industry

Author: (USA) Johnson
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: Who used others' underestimation of him to save the family business, yet was also called the "Imaginative Dictator"? Who, because he didn't graduate from university, chose talent based on not valuing university degrees, yet influenced many automotive industry leaders? Who created the best-selling sports car "Mustang" for 17 consecutive years and rescued Chrysler from bankruptcy? Who devoted nearly 30 years of his youth to BMW, transforming it from a small Bavarian company into a world-class leader in automotive trends? Who, whenever he took over as CEO, lacked the title of CEO in his career, yet was an indispensable figure at General Motors, BMW, Ford, and Chrysler? Who, as the grandson of the founder of Porsche, couldn't make a mark at Porsche but whose undeniable talent made Volkswagen shine? They, through extraordinary courage, charm, insight, foresight, and extraordinary leadership qualities, changed the history of the automotive industry. They are: Henry Ford II—the Imaginative Dictator, the grandson of the founder of Ford Motor Company. Soichiro Honda—the founder of Honda, who changed the Japanese automotive industry. Lee Iacocca—the father of the Mustang, the savior of Chrysler. Eberhard von Kuenheim—the founder of modern BMW. Bob Lutz—the driving force behind Chrysler, General Motors, and BMW. Ferdinand Piech—the architect of Volkswagen. Henry Ford II—the savior of Ford Motor Company, who decisively cleaned house and revitalized Ford when the company was on the brink of collapse. Soichiro Honda—the founder of Honda, who started with piston rings, entered the motorcycle industry, and then with the Civic equipped with a CVCC engine, achieving global fame. Lee Iacocca—dismissed by Henry Ford II for standing out too much, he angrily joined Chrysler and brought the company to glory. Eberhard von Kuenheim—transformed a small, unknown company in Europe into a world-renowned giant. The company's name is BMW. Eberhard von Kuenheim—roaming between General Motors (GM), BMW, Ford, and Chrysler, yet never reaching the CEO's throne. Lutz's career: Was it success or failure? Ferdinand Piech—as an outsider of the Porsche family, Piech left the opportunity to create miracles with Audi and Volkswagen. If you're interested in the exciting stories of the automotive industry's development, this book will bring you a pleasant reading experience. —Lee Iacocca. It's not just a biography of individuals, but also a history of the automotive industry and a textbook on business management. —MotorTrend. The book is filled with authentic private conversations and fascinating management insights. —ClassicCarMart. The Legend tells the stories of six outstanding individuals in the automotive industry after World War II: They used their unique talents in product development, marketing, and management not only to save and achieve their respective automotive companies but, more importantly, they changed the entire automotive industry! This book, featuring the biographies of six giants, the development of the automotive industry, and serving as a valuable read for automotive enthusiasts, industry researchers, and business executives.