Checker Motors Corporation
Former vehicle manufacturer company (1922–2010) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Checker Motors Corporation was a Kalamazoo, Michigan, vehicle manufacturer and tier-one subcontractor that manufactured taxicabs used by Checker Taxi. Morris Markin established the company in 1922, initially named the Checker Cab Manufacturing Company, in Chicago through a merger of Commonwealth Motors and Markin Automobile Body. The manufacturer moved to Kalamazoo in 1923 and was renamed to Checker Motors in 1958.
Industry | Automotive |
---|---|
Founded | 1921; 103 years ago (1921) |
Founder | Morris Markin |
Defunct | January 14, 2010 (2010-01-14) |
Fate | Acquired |
Headquarters | Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S. |
Key people | Morris Markin |
Products | Automotive stampings and components (previous: Commercial Vehicles, 1922–82 – Consumer Vehicles, 1959–82) |
Checker made the iconic American taxi cab, valued by taxicab companies for its durability in heavy use. Special features included wide rear doors, large rear seats and trunks, and jump seats for two extra passengers. The company had trouble competing with fleet discounts offered by the larger manufacturers, as well as economies of scale in procuring components. The final models were produced in 1982. After 1982, Checker invested significantly in the third party manufacturing business, serving GM and Chrysler.
On January 16, 2009, the company filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.[1][2]