Of all the people who were instrumental in establishing the foundation
of the American Automobile Industry, William Crapo "Billy"
Durant
was
one of the more compelling and complex personalities. He was known
for his determination, loyalty, honesty and flamboyant style. He was
an entrepreneur on a grand scale who had the ability to sell anything
to anyone, except the bankers. According to Walter Chrysler, "He
could charm the birds right down out of the trees".
Begining with Buick, he added Oldsmobile and Cadillac and founded
General Motors Corporation, in 1908. Due to his aggressive management
style, the bankers removed him from control in 1911. Undaunted, he
and Louis Chevrolet, a famous Buick race driver, started the Chevrolet
Motor Car Company, later that same year. In september of 1915, Durant
again took control of GM and brought Chevrolet into the fold.
Due to a serious recession, bad acquisitions and poor sales the bankers
again removed him from control in 1920. He announced plans to form
Durant Motor Co., but never again achieved the level of success he
had enjoyed at Chevrolet and General Motors.