Autocar (United States)

The Autocar Company, founded in 1900 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, originated from the Pittsburgh Motor Vehicle Company. The company initially produced automobiles, with its first model being a two-seater runabout equipped with a 3-horsepower single-cylinder engine and chain drive. By the end of its first year, Autocar had manufactured 27 vehicles, and production increased significantly in the following year, reaching 163 cars that featured 6-horsepower two-cylinder engines and shaft drive. This development is notable as it is believed that these were among the first shaft-driven cars in America with more than one cylinder.

In 1905, Autocar introduced wheel steering, which was positioned on the left side, a departure from the norm for American cars at the time. This design choice became more common after Henry Ford's Model T popularized left-side steering. However, Autocar switched to right-hand steering in 1906. The company continued to innovate, with 1905 models featuring a gear change, clutch, spark advance and retard, and accelerator controls located under the steering column.

The range of vehicles expanded over the years, with the introduction of larger models. By 1908, the lineup included a large 60-horsepower six-cylinder limousine, although it was marketed as a 10- or 16-passenger vehicle, which resembled a bus more than a traditional limousine. In 1907, Autocar began producing commercial vehicles, which soon outnumbered passenger cars. Production of automobiles peaked at 823 units in 1907 but declined to 611 by 1911. Despite a continued interest in pleasure cars, the 1912 models marked the end of Autocar's automobile production, featuring conventional 30-horsepower four-cylinder tourers.

While the automobile division ceased operations, Autocar trucks gained a strong reputation. The company remained independent until 1953 when it was acquired by White Motor Company. In 1981, White was purchased by Volvo, and Autocar continued as the custom-built heavy division of Volvo White.