1930s - Early Growth

1930 Net Sales: $287,256

The first practical and affordable auto radio is produced by the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation.
Auto radios are not available from automobile manufacturers, so the Galvin auto radio is sold and installed as an accessory by independent automotive distributors and dealers.
Paul Galvin coins the name Motorola for the company's new products, linking the ideas of motion and radio.

1936

Motorola's share of the auto radio business grows rapidly and establishes the company as a leader in the U.S. market.

The Police Cruiser, an AM auto radio that is pre-set to a single frequency to receive police broadcasts, is Motorola's first entry into the new field of radio communication products.

1937

A new line of home radios is announced. More than half of all American homes now own radios;
Motorola aims to supply the other half.

Motorola moves into a modern headquarters and manufacturing facility at 4545 West Augusta Blvd., Chicago.
Over the years, the company will draw many of its employees from the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The company's auto radios are the first to feature push button tuning, a vibrator power supply, and fine tuning and tone controls. The first national dealer to handle this product is the B.F. Goodrich Company.

1938

Motorola's first service club banquet honors all ten year employees. A Forman's Club is also organized.

A national advertising campaign that includes the use of printed media, road signs, and billboards is underway.

History of Motorola
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