Early Cars

Until the 1910s, car production was quite expensive, and the retail cost of the vehicle was too expensive for working people. In the beginning stages, car sales were more investments in the motor company than marketable goods for consumers.

Costs

It wasn't until 1913 when Henry Ford was able to begin mass-production and bring down dramatically the cost of a vehicle. "Regular" individuals began to be considered a marketable group.

Advertisement

Cars were marketed to the working class through print publications such as magazine and newspaper advertisements. In the 1920s, the car industry started to utilize advertising agencies to manage its brand images.

Print

Henry Ford often used images of his workers to entice people to buy cars. Images of the factories and of the workers reminded common working-class people that the cars were made by people like themselves. This advertising strategy proved to a be a solid platform for many companies that followed.

Car Shows

Car shows proved to be an interesting attraction and profitable for car companies. Allowing potential customers to see their cars and new developments, car companies allowed their cars to advertise themselves.

Source:

Car History

Henry Ford

Car Shows