Autobook Review: “Six Men Who Built the Modern Auto Industry”

Based on the lives of six great icons of the auto industry, this book takes you through their inspiration, egos, collaborative and competitive spirit, and their passion to succeed. Enchantingly written by Richard Johnson, it compels the reader to ride the surf of the auto industry with the six icons.

Each of the six personalities discussed in the book had an aura of zeal about them and have left everlasting imprints on the automotive industry.

Henry Ford II (September 4, 1917 — September 29, 1987): The grandson of the founder of Ford Motor Company was a strategic thought leader and autocratic/aggressive managerial style. His hiring and firing of Lee Iacocca, and propelling the company to become the fourth largest industrial corporation in the world by 1980 when he retired are some of the popular events of his career.

Lee Iacocca (October 15, 1924 - ): He's known as the brains behind the success of the Ford Mustang and a savior of Chrysler. His recognition for his "56 for 56" campaign, then moving up to become the President of the Ford Division, and his differences with Henry Ford II that led to him being fired are some popular parts of his career.

Soichiro Honda (November 17, 1906 – August 5, 1991): He was the father of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., who took the company as well as Japanese car manufacturing industry to new heights. Even at age 77, he held a private pilot's license, loved to ski, hang-glide and enjoyed ballooning.

Eberhard von Kuenheim (October 2, 1928 - ) He's considered as the father of modern BMW, who's credited with transforming a small Bavarian manufacturer into a worldwide name. One of his famous quotes is "At great altitude, the eagle prefers to fly alone."

Robert A. "Bob" Lutz (February 12, 1932 - ) He was instrumental in changing the fates of a Chrysler, GM, and BMW at different points of time. Not just earlier but even recently he was in news when he was criticized by the environmental community for calling global warming "a crock of shit."

Ferdinand Piëch (April 17, 1937 - ) As the Chairman and CEO of the Volkswagen Group, he aggressively led the company to expand to newer market and to make the brands Volkswagen and Audi highly successful.

Six Men Who Built the Modern Auto Industry is a unique book that tells the tales of these high profile men in their own words. It showcases their novel approaches to engineering, manufacturing,
sales and marketing and design, which made their companies highly
successful and made these men into icons.

The book is also distinct as it brings to light several instances that weren't in the public domain before. Coupled with an impeccable research analysis, judgment and eloquence of Richard Johnson, the book provides a uniquely integrated insight into the minds and careers of these geniuses, in addition to the functioning of the post war global auto industry.

During the course of reading one may find repetition at some points in the text, the whole text however is an enjoyable, informative and a memorable read.

Book Details

Title: Six Men Who Built the Modern Auto Industry
Author: Richard A. Johnson
Publisher: Motorbooks (May 28, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0760319588
ISBN-13: 978-0760319581

Purchase It From: Motobooks or Amazon