Posted by Gregg Smith at February 4th, 2009

Two of the people who had the greatest influence on the twentieth century were Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. In addition to being an inspiration for Ford, Edison’s encouragement ignited the genius which introduced America to the automobile.

Some of Ford’s most alarming business innovations were a short work week and outrageously higher compensation for his employees. Ford wanted his employees to make enough to buy his cars.

His goal was to decrease the price to a point where people all over America could afford to travel in an automobile. After he acquired princely wealth, Henry Ford decided to price his cars below his cost so even more Americans could travel. Shareholders did not agree and the Supreme Court sided with the shareholders.

Now, the condition of the economy is forcing auto companies to liquidate inventory to raise cash and to clear lots. One hundred years later, the consumer can now buy a Ford, or a Chrysler, or a Chevrolet below the manufacturer’s cost. It took some patience, but one of Henry Ford’s greatest ambitions has been achieved