Wards100: The Most Impactful Auto Execs of 20th Century

When considering the most impactful auto executives of the 20^th century, there is an obvious choice, and for good reason, but it’s worth talking about a couple of the runnersup, as well.

WardsAuto, marking its 100^th year of publishing, has created three lists: The Most Impactful Engines/Propulsion Systems by decade of the last 100 years; The Most Impactful Vehicles by decade of the last 100 years; and The Most Impactful Executives of the 20^th and 21^st Centuries.

Our jury consists of WardsAuto Senior Editor David Kiley, former WardsAuto editor Drew Winter; WardsAuto contributor Gary Vasilash; WardsAuto contributor and publisher of AutoLine John McElroy; Headlight News publisher and WardsAuto contributor Paul Eisenstein; Matt DeLorenzo, former editor of Road & Track and Autoweek, and current editor-in-chief of TightwadGarage.com.

For the 20^th century, we considered the following executives: Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company; Fiat Founder Giovanni Agnelli; Kiichiro Toyoda, son of Toyota Industries founder Sakichi Toyoda; Chrysler CEO and Ford President Lee Iacocca; Chevrolet co-founder Louis Chevrolet; Chrysler founder Walter Chrysler; Gottlieb Daimler, co-founder of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG); Ransom Olds, founder of Oldsmobile Motor Co.; Honda Motor Co. founder Soichiro Honda; Ferdinand Porsche, renowned automotive engineer and founder of Porsche.

Though all of these executives made remarkable and lasting contributions to the auto industry, our top choice is not surprising.

Henry Ford

Henry Ford’s idea for an auto company changed the world of mobility for industry, but also for society. For that reason, Henry Ford stands alone. Here are Henry Ford’s contributions:

The Introduction of the Assembly Line Revolutionized Manufacturing

Ford is credited with revolutionizing the manufacturing process by introducing the assembly line in 1913. This innovation drastically reduced the time it took to produce a car from over 12 hours to just 93 minutes. The assembly line allowed for mass production, which made cars more affordable for the general public.

Introduction of Affordable Mobility

The Model T, introduced in 1908, was designed to be affordable and durable. Ford’s vision was to create a car that the average American worker could afford. By 1927, more than 15 million Model Ts had been sold, making it the first mass-market car.

Cultural Impact:

The Model T didn't just change the automotive industry; it changed American society. It facilitated the growth of suburbs, transformed the landscape with roads, and made personal mobility a reality for many.

$5 Workday:

In 1914, Ford introduced the $5 workday, doubling the previous average wage for autoworkers. This move not only attracted the best workers to Ford's factories but also reduced turnover and increased productivity. It also set a precedent for fair wages, helping to create a middle class that could afford the products they were making. Ironically, Ford was also vehemently opposed to labor unions and went to great lengths to break the UAW.

Vertical Integration and Control Over Supply Chain:

Ford pioneered vertical integration by controlling every aspect of the manufacturing process, from raw materials to final assembly. This approach allowed him to reduce costs and maintain quality, further enhancing the affordability of his cars. While that level of control faded in the late 20^th century, it has come back into vogue as automakers such as Ford are not only partnering with battery companies, but also have several investments related to lithium including long-term supply agreements, a joint battery venture and a nickel facility.

Global Influence:

Ford’s innovations and business practices were not limited to the U.S. He expanded Ford Motor Co. internationally, influencing automotive manufacturing practices around the world. His methods became the standard for the global automotive industry.

Standardization and Innovation:

Ford’s insistence on standardization of parts and designs set industry standards that are still in use today. His focus on efficiency and innovation in production influenced not only the automotive industry but also other manufacturing sectors.

In short, Henry Ford’s impact was profound not only because of the cars he produced but also because of how he transformed industrial production, labor practices, and society at large. His innovations in mass production and his vision of making cars accessible to the masses fundamentally changed the 20th century.

Runners Up

Gottlieb Daimler

The second-highest vote getter was Gottlieb Daimler. Daimler was pivotal in the history of automotive engineering and is often considered one of the fathers of the modern automobile. His contributions were instrumental in laying the foundation for the automotive industry as we know it today.

Kiichiro Toyoda

Kiichiro Toyoda was third-highest vote getter. The son of Toyota Industries founder Sakichi Toyoda, Kiichiro Toyoda spearheaded the expansion of Toyota Motor Corp. into a global automotive powerhouse, laying the foundation for Toyota’s renowned lean manufacturing principles.

Soichiro Honda

Founder of Honda Motor Company, Soichiro Honda, the fourth-highest vote getter, was an innovative entrepreneur whose engineering expertise and business acumen propelled Honda to become one of the world’s largest and most successful automakers. His focus on engine performance and efficiency first led to Honda not only being a leading manufacturer of automobiles, but motorbikes, lawn and snow equipment, generators and other power equipment. Indeed, Honda has grown and continues to grow globally by developing products into which it can put its excellent motors and engines.

Most Impactful Engines of The Last 100 Years

Most Impactful Vehicles of The Last 100 Years