In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

Buckle up for a thrilling ride through automotive history's most fascinating turning points! From daring pioneers to corporate chess moves, our latest episode uncovers the moments that revolutionized how we move through the world.We kick things off with the remarkable story of Bertha Benz, who in 1888 essentially "borrowed" her husband's invention without permission and embarked on a 66-mile journey that would change transportation forever. Imagine purchasing fuel from a pharmacy, making roadside repairs yourself, and proving to a skeptical world that automobiles weren't just novelties but practical machines with real potential. This audacious act by Bertha stands as perhaps the world's first automotive marketing campaign—and it worked brilliantly.The episode accelerates through Henry Ford's initial stumbles with his first automotive venture, which produced fewer than 20 vehicles before closing. We explore how Harvey Firestone's tire company became fundamental to Americ