Posted on 05/12/2015 10:19:16 AM PDT by reaganaut1
Henry Ford did a lot for the automobile in America. What everyone knows is that he figured out how to improve manufacturing efficiency so much that the auto was transformed from a toy for the rich into an item that ordinary people could afford.
...
But very few people know that Ford had to fight against a cartel to be allowed to sell his vehicles. In this 2001 article published in The Freeman, “How Henry Ford Zapped a Licensing Monopoly,” Melvin Barger goes into the fascinating history of Ford’s legal battle against the Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers (ALAM).
In 1895, an inventor named George Selden had received a patent for a gasoline powered automobile. That patent was later acquired by ALAM, which then said to everyone who wanted to sell a gasoline powered car, “You must pay us royalties for the privilege of selling such vehicles and if you sell without our license, we’ll take you to court for patent infringement.”
Ford had developed his auto without any knowledge of Selden’s patent and saw no reason why he shouldn’t be free to make and sell cars without paying ALAM for the right to do so.
...
Substitute Elon Musk for Henry Ford and Tesla for Model-T and state dealer regulation for an extortionate patent scheme, but the stories are largely the same. ALAM didn’t want competition that might break up its cartel and neither does the established auto dealer system want innovative marketing upsetting its business.
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
They are both cars.
You should probably look at this article. It echos the issue I see with Apple and their arguments.
Except that Model-T’s actually served a purpose and were profitably produced at a price the marketplace would accept.
If the Tesla is going to be a success, then it won’t matter that many states are organized to defeat them through good old boy dealer networks.
Even if I could go down to the local Tesla dealership here in Texas to buy one, I could not.
Not practical and too expensive.
IF Musk can (and I believe he will) overcome that - then yeah. The Tesla will be as successful as the Model T.
They both cost $600?
Top speed?
Glenn Curtis... vs the Wright Brothers... very similar situation. Innovator vs a patent holder willing to sue rather than developing an industry. Ford, eventually helped Curtis out via introductions to the legal team that settled the Ford issues and it was settled in Court.. the wright’s were wrong and died bitter.
“...What everyone knows is that he figured out how to improve manufacturing efficiency so much that the auto was transformed from a toy for the rich into an item that ordinary people could afford. “
Colt firearms did it first, using the assembly line and a “utopian” company “town” to build revolvers.
KYPD
Why are we subsidizing GM aka Obama Union motors still ?
The letter “T”
” and a “utopian” company “town”
Some would call it that.
Tennessee ernie Ford - 16 Tons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIfu2A0ezq0
They both are powered, ultimately, by fossil fuels.
The Telsa is getting billion in tax breaks.
________________________________________
Nevada is giving them 1.3 Billion in Tax Breaks. Yet that state is getting 5 Billion in jobs and benefits.
Argue whether the government should involve itself in private industry all you want. But this is a good deal.
Tesla? Politicians? Taxpayers who bear the cost of the subsidy?
Substitute Elon Musk for Henry Ford and Tesla for Model-T and state dealer regulation for an extortionate patent scheme, but the stories are largely the same.
I don’t recall Henry Ford receiving WELFARE to produce cars for the Wealthiest in America at the time.
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