# Studebaker

> former car manufacturer

**Wikidata**: [Q938876](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q938876)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studebaker)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/studebaker

## Summary
Studebaker was a former American automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana, known for producing cars, trucks, and military vehicles from 1852 until its dissolution in 1968. It was a significant player in the automotive industry, producing iconic models like the Studebaker Commander, Avanti, and military vehicles such as the M29 Weasel and US6.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1852 in South Bend, Indiana, United States.
- **Dissolved**: 1968.
- **Industry**: Automotive manufacturing (cars, trucks, military vehicles).
- **Headquarters**: South Bend, Indiana.
- **Notable Models**:
  - Studebaker Electric (introduced 1902).
  - Studebaker Commander, Dictator, Light Six, Silver Hawk, Wagonaire, Scotsman, Avanti, Coupe Express, Starlight, President, Gran Turismo Hawk, Light Four, Flight Hawk, Golden Hawk, Big Six, Champion, Champ, Special Six.
  - Military vehicles: M29 Weasel, Studebaker US6.
- **Subsidiaries/Ownership**: Affiliated with Pierce-Arrow, an American automobile manufacturer.
- **Key Figure**: Paul G. Hoffman, an American businessman associated with Studebaker.
- **Sitelink Count**: 35 (Wikidata).

## FAQs
**When was Studebaker founded and when did it cease operations?**
Studebaker was founded in 1852 and dissolved in 1968, operating for over a century in the automotive industry.

**What types of vehicles did Studebaker produce?**
Studebaker manufactured a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars (e.g., Commander, Avanti), trucks (e.g., Champ, E Series Truck), and military vehicles (e.g., M29 Weasel, US6).

**Where was Studebaker headquartered?**
The company was based in South Bend, Indiana, a city in the United States that served as its primary manufacturing hub.

**What was Studebaker’s relationship with Pierce-Arrow?**
Studebaker was affiliated with Pierce-Arrow, another American automobile manufacturer, with ownership and operational ties between the two companies.

**Who was Paul G. Hoffman, and what was his role with Studebaker?**
Paul G. Hoffman was an American businessman (1891–1974) associated with Studebaker, contributing to its operations and legacy.

## Why It Matters
Studebaker played a pivotal role in the early and mid-20th-century automotive industry, contributing to both civilian and military transportation. Its innovations in car design (e.g., the Avanti’s futuristic styling) and production of reliable military vehicles during World War II (e.g., the US6) cemented its place in American industrial history. The company’s decline and eventual dissolution in 1968 also reflect broader economic shifts in the U.S. automotive sector, making it a case study in industrial evolution.

## Notable For
- **Longevity**: Operated for 116 years (1852–1968), spanning the horse-drawn carriage era to modern automobiles.
- **Military Contributions**: Produced critical vehicles like the M29 Weasel and US6 for World War II.
- **Iconic Models**: The Studebaker Avanti (1962–1964) is celebrated for its avant-garde design.
- **Diverse Portfolio**: Manufactured everything from electric cars (Studebaker Electric, 1902) to pickup trucks (Champ).
- **Industry Influence**: Affiliated with Pierce-Arrow, another major American automaker.

## Body

### History and Founding
Studebaker was established in **1852** in **South Bend, Indiana**, initially as a manufacturer of wagons before transitioning to automobiles. The company evolved alongside the automotive industry, becoming a key player in the early 20th century. Its dissolution in **1968** marked the end of an era for American independent automakers.

### Vehicle Production
Studebaker’s product lineup included a wide array of vehicles:
- **Passenger Cars**:
  - **Studebaker Electric** (1902), an early electric vehicle.
  - **Studebaker Commander**, a full-sized car model.
  - **Studebaker Avanti** (1962–1964), known for its fiberglass body and futuristic design.
  - Other models: Dictator, Light Six, Silver Hawk, Wagonaire, Scotsman, Starlight, President, Gran Turismo Hawk, Light Four, Flight Hawk, Golden Hawk, Big Six, Champion, Special Six.
- **Trucks**:
  - **Studebaker Champ** (1960s pickup truck).
  - **E Series Truck** and **M Series Truck**.
- **Military Vehicles**:
  - **M29 Weasel**: A tracked transport vehicle used in World War II.
  - **Studebaker US6**: A military cargo truck exported for Allied use.

### Corporate Relationships
Studebaker had significant ties to **Pierce-Arrow**, another American automobile manufacturer. The relationship included ownership and operational collaborations, reflecting the interconnected nature of early automotive industries.

### Key Figures
**Paul G. Hoffman** (1891–1974), an American businessman, was affiliated with Studebaker, contributing to its strategic direction during its later years.

### Legacy and Impact
Studebaker’s contributions to automotive design and military logistics left a lasting mark. The company’s ability to adapt from wagons to electric cars and military vehicles demonstrates its versatility. Its closure in 1968 symbolized the challenges faced by independent automakers in an era dominated by larger corporations.

### Related Entities
- **South Bend, Indiana**: The company’s headquarters and primary manufacturing location.
- **Automotive Industry**: Studebaker was part of the broader ecosystem of early 20th-century car manufacturers.
- **United States Military**: Supplied vehicles like the US6 and M29 Weasel during World War II.

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## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. Quora
5. KBpedia