General Motors or GM for short was founded in 1908 in Flint, Michigan by William C. Durant as a holding company the Buick and Oldsmobile brands.
In 1909, Cadillac and Oakland, which eventually becomes Pontiac, join GM.
In 1910, Durant lost control of GM after acquiring too much debt.
In 1912, GM introduces the first electric starter in a Cadillac.
In 1918, Chevrolet becomes part of GM.
In 1925, the company acquires Vauxhall Motors.
In 1931, Opel is acquired.
By 1950, all US models are available with an automatic transmission.
In 1971, the company acquires a 34% stake in Isuzu Motors.
In 1984, the company acquires Electronic Data Systems. That company is spun off in 1996.
In 1986, the company acquires Hughes Aircraft.
In 1990, the company acquires 50% of Saab and launches the Saturn brand.
In 1999, the company acquires a 20% interest in Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru.
In 2000, the company takes full control of Saab and acquires 20% of Fiat.
In 2009, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This resulting in a government bailout and closing the Pontiac, Saab, Hummer and Saturn brands.
In 2010, the company filed an IPO and returned to profitability.
Today, General Motors is one of the largest automakers in the world. The company produces vehicles in 37 countries under 11 brands.
