1902 – Robert Schwenke Receives a German Patent for Front-Wheel Drive
German engineer Robert Schwenke was issued a patent on July 24, 1902, for an early front-wheel-drive system for automobiles. The design included a driveshaft arrangement for transmitting power to the front wheels, using both fixed and plunging joints to account for steering movement and suspension geometry. Although front-wheel drive would not become common in production cars for decades, Schwenke’s work reflected how early engineers were already experimenting with alternatives to the standard rear-drive layout. Later front-wheel-drive breakthroughs, including the Cord L-29, Citroën Traction Avant and postwar economy cars, would make the concept far more practical and influential. Schwenke’s patent remains an early step in the long development of driven steering axles and modern driveline technology.
1917 – Pullman Automobiles of York, Pennsylvania, Are Liquidated
The Pullman Motor Car Company of York, Pennsylvania, saw its remaining assets sold in July 1917, ending the short but interesting history of Pullman automobiles. Unrelated to the famous Pullman railroad sleeping-car company, the York-based automaker had produced cars under the Pullman name beginning in the early 1900s. Its vehicles were marketed as refined, high-quality automobiles, with advertising that tried to connect the brand name to comfort and prestige. However, the company struggled financially and declared bankruptcy in late 1916. By the summer of 1917, its assets were sent to auction, closing the book on one of Pennsylvania’s early automobile manufacturers.
1954 – Future Chrysler CEO Thomas LaSorda Is Born
Thomas William LaSorda was born in Windsor, Ontario, on July 24, 1954. After beginning his automotive career with General Motors, LaSorda joined Chrysler and rose through the company’s manufacturing and executive ranks. He became president and CEO of Chrysler Group in 2006 during the DaimlerChrysler era, succeeding Dieter Zetsche as Chrysler entered one of the most turbulent periods in its modern history. LaSorda later played a major role during the company’s sale to Cerberus Capital Management and remained closely associated with Chrysler’s restructuring years. His career reflected the increasingly international nature of the North American auto industry, as a Canadian-born manufacturing executive came to lead one of Detroit’s Big Three automakers.
1980 – Ford Opens the Batavia Transmission Plant
Ford opened its Batavia Transmission plant in Batavia, Ohio, on July 24, 1980. Located near Cincinnati, the factory became part of Ford’s broader North American powertrain manufacturing network and produced automatic transmissions for a range of vehicles. The plant later became associated with Ford’s joint venture with ZF, producing continuously variable transmissions during the 2000s. Ford eventually repurchased full ownership of the facility in 2005, but the plant’s long-term future was already uncertain as the company restructured its manufacturing footprint. Batavia Transmission closed in 2008, ending nearly three decades of production and marking another chapter in the shifting geography of American automotive manufacturing.
2017 – Jaguar Launches the XJR575 With a 186 Mph Interview
Jaguar launched the 2018 XJR575 on July 24, 2017, with a publicity stunt worthy of the high-performance sedan’s name. To introduce the 575-horsepower version of the XJ, Jaguar filmed designer Wayne Burgess being interviewed by presenter and racing driver Amanda Stretton as the car accelerated from zero to its 186 mph top speed in just 44 seconds. Powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8, the XJR575 represented one of the final and most powerful expressions of Jaguar’s long-running luxury sedan line. It combined traditional XJ elegance with serious performance, arriving near the end of an era when large, V-8-powered executive sedans still stood near the top of the enthusiast food chain.
