IV.

Introduction of Model A

Ford sales began to drop after competitors introduced larger and more luxurious cars. In 1927, with 15 million Model Ts sold, the company ceased production of the car and closed its plants for six months to retool for a new model, the Model A (named for the original). The Model A was a substantial improvement over the Model T, with features such as hydraulic shock absorbers, automatic windshield wipers, a gas gauge, and a speedometer. Between 1927 and 1931, Ford produced nearly 5 million Model A cars and trucks.