The fifties

An unprecedented


The 1950 experienced strong economic growth resulting in a dramatic increase in automobile production. The consolidation of industries initiated at the end of the war takes effect. The social climate is again favorable to the purchase of goods and increased comfort of living is conducive to new technical innovations and marketings. In 1954, the selling price of the car down for the first time in years. Same households use credit to provide a new véhicule. Moreover, in 1960, the car is almost within reach of all budgets in industrialized countries, as is the variety of range étendue. The fifties saw and increase in U.S. production of unprecedented proportions: 3.5 million units produced in 1947 and 5,000,000 in 1949 before reaching nearly 8 million 1955.

While Americans produce more cars in large and opulent, Europe simply develop vehicles with engines of economic cylindrée41 average. From 1953, the Europeans are catching up on the Americans and become leaders in the market of small and medium displacement. Germany, which took advantage of the aid granted by the Allies after the war and investment of U.S. industries operating in the country, becomes the first européen. However, some companies such as BMW and Auto Union can not recover their development in the immediate past, because their factories are located in the area annexed by the Soviets. Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, produces automotive midrange and luxury, showing its ambition to conquer the world market. Thus, at the New York Auto Show 1954 the 300 SL is shown that innovated with the opening "butterfly" its doors - iconic 1950.