Henry Leland was an American automotive pioneer, best known for founding the luxury automobile brands Cadillac and Lincoln. Born on February 16, 1843, in Vermont, he played a significant role in the early development of the automotive industry in the United States. Leland's engineering background and innovative ideas helped shape the production methods that would later be adopted by many manufacturers. In 1902, Leland established the Cadillac Motor Car Company, which quickly gained a reputation for quality and precision. Later, in 1917, he founded Lincoln Motor Company, which became known for its luxury vehicles. Leland's contributions to automotive engineering and manufacturing left a lasting impact on the industry.