The history of Detroit Diesel

1077 Words3 Pages

Have you ever wondered how Detroit Diesel has become what it is today. Detroit Diesel Corporation manufactures diesel and alternative fuel engines for use in trucks, buses, commercial and pleasure marine craft, military and so on. This is how Detroit Diesel has progressed over the years with engines and help of other distributors and dealers.

The history of Detroit Diesel started in 1938 just as WWII was heating up. In the same year General Motors formed the GM Diesel Division which is the ancestor of Detroit Diesel. This was an epic time when tradition of strength, quality, and dependability was born.( Detroit Diesel )

After the war had ended, GM Diesel recognized the growing opportunity in the on-highway truck market. In 1957, GM Diesel introduced the Series 57 and Series 71 for both on- highway and off-road use. They also began to focus on developing a worldwide distribution network of independent, authorized distributors and dealers to provide parts and service. In 1965, GM Diesel became Detroit Diesel Engine Division. In 1970, General Motors consolidated the company with the closely allied transmission and gas turbine business of the Allison Division forming the Detroit Diesel Allison Division.( Detroit Diesel )

In the 1980s, Detroit Diesel Allison Division had lost most of its market share to Cummings Engines. Their engines weren’t performing well and they lost many customers. By 1987, GM began to look for a buyer to take the division of its hand. In 1988, a joint venture between Penske Corporation and General Motors created Detroit Diesel. Penske revived Detroit Diesel and in 1992, the company rebounded and had a net income of over $20 million in 1993.(Detroit Diesel Coperation)

Today Detroit Diesel Corporatio...

... middle of paper ...

...y have a history that dates back to the 1930s. They also have the most fuel efficient engines that are serviced through a worldwide network of more than 800 authorized locations around the world.

Works Cited

"Detroit Diesel Corporation -- Company History." Find Funding with Banks, Investors, and Other Funding Sources | FundingUniverse. Web. 01 Feb. 2012. .

"Detroit Diesel - Classic Engines." Detroit. Web. 02 Feb. 2012. .

"Detroit Diesel - Series 60 Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine." Detroit. Web. 02 Feb. 2012. .

"Detroit Diesel - History." Detroit. Web. 02 Feb. 2012. .

Open Document