Borland [1] (United States) - AllCarIndex

Borland was an American automobile manufacturer that operated from 1912 to 1916. The company was initially known as the Borland-Grannis Company and was based in Chicago, Illinois, before relocating to Saginaw, Michigan. Borland emerged from the Ideal Electric Vehicle Company, which had previously produced vehicles under the IDEAL name.

The Borland brand made its debut at the 1912 Chicago Automobile Show, showcasing its first model, a brougham with a 92-inch (2335 mm) wheelbase. This vehicle featured options for either chain or shaft drive. In 1913, the product range expanded to include a roadster and a coupe on the shorter wheelbase, as well as a landaulette and limousine on a longer 123-inch (3122 mm) wheelbase. These models were designed with Renault-style bonnets and were noted for their more luxurious appearance compared to typical electric cars of the time. However, they were also significantly more expensive, with prices around $500, which was approximately double that of the smaller models.

In 1914, Borland merged with ARGO and BROC to form the American Electric Vehicle Company, although the Borland name continued to be used for an additional two years. Following the merger, production was moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where the company continued to operate until its closure in 1916.