FWD (United States) - AllCarIndex

The Four Wheel Drive Automobile Company, originally established as the Badger Four Wheel Drive Automobile Company in 1909, was founded in Clintonville, Wisconsin, by machinists Otto Zachow and William A. Besserdich. The company emerged from their invention of a double-Y universal joint, which enabled the front wheels of a vehicle to be powered and steered simultaneously. Their initial experiments included a steam car, which proved unsuccessful, followed by a petrol-powered vehicle known as The Battleship.

In 1911, the company rebranded to the Four Wheel Drive Automobile Company after Dr. W.H. Finney, who had provided financial backing, withdrew his support. The company offered several body styles for its vehicles, including a tourer, runabout, and roadster, during its brief production run from 1911 to 1912. However, after producing only twelve cars, the company shifted its focus to truck manufacturing, recognizing the greater market potential in this area.

The trucks produced by the Four Wheel Drive Automobile Company gained significant recognition during World War I, with approximately 15,000 units manufactured, not only by the company itself but also by other manufacturers such as Kissel, Mitchell, and Premier. The Model SU-COE became particularly notable during World War II. The company continued to produce custom-built trucks well into the 1990s, solidifying its legacy in the automotive industry.