International Harvester was a giant conglomerate once bigger than GM, Ford, and GE. While they made their name in heavy trucks and agricultural machinery, for consumers they're most famous for the short-lived Scout.
Today we'll look at the history of International, some of their divisions (they made refridgerators!), the history of their light trucks and the Scout, their downfall, and how VW came to own the Scout name and be able to launch it as a new EV!

The Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon debuted in 1978 and continued, largely unchanged, for 13 model years, while spinning off multiple variants including the Charger, Rampage, and Shelby GLH-S's. Unheralded, they challenged the famous K Cars for sales, and are directly responsible for Chrysler earning the government backed loans that saved them from bankruptcy.

In 1981 the Ford Escort debuted in the US and went on to be a sales success through the 80s, being the single best selling car 3 different times. Through 3 generations it lasted until being unceremoniously left to die and replaced with the Focus.
But it's story actually starts in the UK back in the 50s, and it didn't end with cancellation as it was launched in China!

Struggling from Bankruptcy Dodge once again created a new market for themselves with the midsized truck - the Dodge Dakota. It's story starts long before that, but through 3 distinct generations the Dakota offered near full-sized capabilities in a more manageable size. Ultimately cancelled, Dodge, now RAM, finds itself without a competitor in that market segment.

Walter Chrysler's grandson wrote a letter to Carlos Tavares asking him to consider selling Chrysler.  Stellantis replied with a statement that none of the 14 brands are for sale.
But here is my modest proposal to Tavares asking him to reconsider - for the Brands, the workers, the Country, and the Customers.

Chyrsler has been on life support for about 25 years. Other owners from Daimler to FCA to now Stellantis have promised to revitalize the brand, but now it sits with one product in the minivan.
I've believed Stellantis CEO Tavares when he said brands had 10 years to be turned around, and a belief that they were working on new platforms and powertrains that would be appropriate for the North American market, versus just taking FCA platforms and giving them a facelift and saying "good enough".
But my optimism was misplaced. The 2nd quarter financials were poor, and Stellantis is now on the warpath to eliminate brands if they aren't profitable. Chrysler is an obvious target, and I'm mad as heck about it.
After starving the brand for new product, including the 3.5 years Stellantis has been formed, suddenly it's potentially on the chopping block. How unfair an end to a storied brand.

A Far Too Brief History of the Ford Ranger - from the Courier to Today!

A Far Too Brief History of King Midget!

A Far Too Brief History of the Ford F-Series Trucks!

A Far Too Brief History of Knox Automobile