How Ford Affected the Speedometer Industry - Kynoch
Here's how the Model T's adoption of speedometers affected the speedometer industry:
Early Adoption and Dominance: When Ford first started producing Model Ts in 1908, they offered speedometers as an extra, with dealers choosing from brands like National, Jones, and Stewart and Clark. [1] Stewart and Clark quickly became the main supplier, fitting almost every Model T by 1910. [1] They continued to dominate until 1913 when Ford's assembly line production ramped up. [1]
Ford's Shift and Increased Competition: Unable to meet Ford's high demand, Stewart (now Stewart Warner) saw Ford exclude speedometers as standard equipment in November 1913. [1, 2] This opened up the market, allowing other manufacturers to compete. [2] Ford even offered a $6 discount for cars bought without speedometers. [2]
Factory-Installed Options and Continued Dealer Choice: In late 1914, Ford began offering factory-installed speedometers, known as Ford-Specials, sourced from various manufacturers like Standard Thermometer, Sears Cross, Jones, Stewart Warner, and Johns Manville. [2] Dealers continued to have the option of installing speedometers from other companies throughout the Model T's production. [3] This fostered a diverse speedometer market.
Innovation in Drive Systems: While most speedometers were driven by the right front wheel, companies like Nash Motor Products and Patterson Manufacturing developed transmission-driven systems. [3] These systems, compatible with Stewart, Standard Thermometer, and AC Speedo heads, offered an alternative approach to speedometer installation. [3]
Diversity of Manufacturers: Many companies manufactured speedometers for the Model T, including well-known names like Corbin Brown and AC Speedometer, further highlighting the market's expansion due to the Model T's popularity. [4]
In conclusion, the Model T's adoption of speedometers initially led to the dominance of a single supplier. However, Ford's production changes and subsequent reintroduction of speedometers as an option created a competitive market with diverse manufacturers and innovative drive systems.