William C. Durant was an American businessman and the founder of the General Motors Company. Born on December 8, 1861, in Flint, Michigan, he played a crucial role in the automotive industry during the early 20th century. Durant initially started in the carriage business before transitioning to automobiles, where he saw significant success. In 1908, Durant established General Motors by merging several automobile companies, including Buick and Oldsmobile. He was known for his innovative marketing strategies and vision for mass production, which helped make cars more accessible to the public. Durant's influence on the automotive sector laid the groundwork for modern car manufacturing.