In a full-circle stroke of fate, Henry Ford had to return to the drawing board. The realization had dawned upon him that gasoline was indeed the fuel destined to power the future. The thriving oil industry, stalking the landscape of economic progress, wasn't ready to recline into obscurity. On the contrary, the industry loomed large, adamant in its resolve to retain, if not strengthen its relevance. ...
1. Henry Ford recognized the future of the automobile industry would be powered by gasoline.
2. The oil industry was growing and determined to maintain and increase its importance in the economy.
3. Ford conceived a plan to stay competitive in the dynamic market influenced by the oil industry.
4. The oil industry was prepared to defend its position and become a significant entity in the vehicle industry by promoting gasoline as the primary fuel for cars.
5. Ford was aware of the significant challenges this shift to gasoline-powered cars would present to him, but was prepared to face them due to his innovator mindset.
In 1901, the United States produced over 63 million barrels of oil, kick-starting a new era of reliance on gasoline.
With this in mind, Henry Ford had to conceive a plan that would keep him competitive in this emerging market. Indeed, the oil industry had no intentions of being outshone; they were ready to defend their territory, to become a major player in the rapidly transforming landscape of motor vehicles. Gasoline as the primary fuel for cars seemed a certain future, and the challenges this posed to Ford were considerable. But being the innovator he was, Ford was sure to meet these challenges head-on.