Would You Buy a Car from an Aircraft Manufacturer?

Have you ever considered purchasing a car made by an aircraft manufacturer such as Bombardier, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, or Airbus? It's not a common thought, yet it's intriguing to consider. Historically, not many aircraft manufacturers have ventured into the auto industry. However, there are a couple of former aircraft manufacturers that have successfully transitioned to car production. Let's delve into this fascinating topic.

Motor Manufacturing in Aviation History

The automotive realm has seen the unique entry of some aviation giants. Let's explore the rich history and prominent examples:

Consolidated B-24 Liberator

The B-24 Liberator stands as a monumental achievement in aircraft history. Produced on a vast scale, around 18,500 units were manufactured across various versions. One of these versions was built by Ford Motor Company at their Ypsilanti, Michigan-based Willow Run Bomber Plant. During its peak, one B-24 was produced every 63 minutes, making it the world's most produced bomber, heavy bomber, multi-engine aircraft, and the largest American military aircraft in history.

The Willow Run plant's immense production capability was so significant that it surpassed the military's ability to utilize the aircraft. It has been said that more aluminum, crew, and effort were invested in the B-24 Liberator than any other aircraft in history.

Mitsubishi Motors and A6M Zero

Mitsubishi Motors and its predecessor, Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, used their aviation knowledge to venture into the car market. The A6M Zero fighter aircraft was manufactured by Mitsubishi before being repurposed for civilian use. Though primarily known as a piece of World War II aviation history, the skills and expertise gained from creating such powerful aircraft were later applied to the automotive industry.

The A6M Zero fighter was designated as the Mitsubishi Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter or Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen. It was referred to by its pilots as the imperial year 2600, corresponding to 1940 when it was introduced. Allies designated it as the Zeke.

Purchasing Cars from Aircraft Manufacturers

If you've ever wondered whether you would buy a car from a company with an aviation background, the answer is yes. I personally have owned a 1998 Ford Contour, a car from one of these manufacturers. This experience showcases the quality and engineering prowess of these companies.

While these manufacturers undoubtedly possess the necessary engineering skills, the large-scale production experience is something they may not carry. However, the sales support and service networks are often crucial for customer satisfaction. Will you need a Boeing-certified aviation mechanic to service your car? While it isn't strictly related to their manufacturing background, every new entrant in the auto market must develop a robust nationwide support network, much like the automotive giants you know today. Tesla is a great example of this; they took over a decade to become a practical option.

Conclusion

When considering whether to buy a car from an aircraft manufacturer, it's important to recognize the immense engineering skills and the unique challenges they face in the automotive industry. While they certainly have the capacity to produce high-quality vehicles, the focus in automotive manufacturing is on service and support rather than aircraft production. So, the next time you see a plane or a car from these manufacturers, remember the fascinating history and skill that goes into both domains.