Automobile manufacturing Around 1905, Robert's son Sam became interested in manufacturing automobiles and traveled to Jackson, Michigan, to purchase a Jackson automobile. While in Jackson, Sam bumped into Billy Durant, who was manufacturing in that city. Sam and Billy had become acquainted, as both were affiliated with the carriage manufacturing business. Durant offered to make a deal, and McLaughlin purchased a Buick from a dealer in Toronto to better understand the product. Before he was halfway to Oshawa (approximately a 30-mile drive), McLaughlin knew he preferred the design of the Buick to the Jackson automobile. However, he and Durant were unable to reach a deal to combine manufacturing operations.
Automobile manufacturing Around 1905, Robert's son Sam became interested in manufacturing automobiles and traveled to Jackson, Michigan, to purchase a Jackson automobile. While in Jackson, Sam bumped into Billy Durant who was manufacturing in that city. Sam and Billy had become acquainted, as both were affiliated with the carriage manufacturing business. Durant offered to make a deal, and McLaughlin purchased a Buick from a dealer in Toronto to better understand the product. Before he was halfway to Oshawa (approximately a 30-mile drive), McLaughlin knew he preferred the design of the Buick to the Jackson automobile. However, he and Durant were unable to reach a deal to combine manufacturing operations.