This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Pelfrey, William.

Billy, Alfred, and General Motors: the story of two unique men, a legendary company, and a remarkable time in American history / William Pelfrey.

   p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. General Motors Corporation—History. 2. Automobile industry and trade—United States—History. 3. Businesspeople—United States— Biography. 4. Durant, William Crapo, 1861–1947. 5. Sloan, Alfred P. (Alfred Pritchard), 1875–1966. I. Title.

HD9710.U54G47544 2006

338.7'6292'—dc22

2005024657

©2006 William Pelfrey.

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America.

This publication may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of AMACOM, a division of American Management Association, 1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.

Printing number

10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1

ISBN 978-0-8144-0869-8 (HC)

ISBN 978-0-8144-3387-4 (PB)