Six men who built the modern auto industry

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This narrative chronicles the journeys of six remarkable men who transformed the automotive industry post-World War II, shaping its future. They include Henry Ford II, a visionary leader; Shoichiro Honda, a pioneering entrepreneur; Eberhard von Kuenheim, the architect of modern BMW; Lee Iacocca; Ferdinand Piech, the force behind Volkswagen Group; and Robert Lutz, who returned to influence General Motors at 70. Each of these individuals instigated significant changes in the world’s largest industry, impacting not only the auto sector but also the societies they inhabited. Renowned for their sharp intellects and quick thinking, these men were brave and often contentious figures who navigated the tides of history. They possessed a unique ability to envision the future, even if imperfectly, revitalizing a business that had begun to stagnate by the 1930s. The book offers a compelling account of the global automotive landscape over the last fifty years, featuring both collaborative and adversarial dynamics among the leaders. It reveals high-level business insights from a journalist deeply embedded in the industry, showcasing the interconnected influences of automotive groups across the USA, Europe, and Asia, while intertwining personal anecdotes that highlight their determination for success.