All About Inventions and Discoveries
The Romance of modern scientific and mechanical Achievements

322 All About Inventions to make a single model of that sewing-machine ? ” he inquired. “ About £20, I should say,” ventured one of the agents, who was an engineer. “ But how much has she paid for it ? ” “Not more than £4,” was the rejoinder. “ Then if it would cost me £20 to build the machine and she can buy it for £4, what is the reason ? ” “ Oh, sewing-machines are turned out by the hundred thousand ! ” “ Why ? ” “ Because all parts are standardised, and each part is made by the hundred thousand. Naturally, if you build sewing-machines on such a scale, you can sell them for £4 apiece and then make a handsome profit,” commented another agent. “ And if sewing-machines can be made in that manner, why not motor-cars ? The parts can be standardised and made upon a similar scale,” pursued Ford. “ Can you tell me why they shouldn’t ? ” “ No—if you can find the market for the cars! ” “ Well, I intend to create that market. For every man who can afford £4°° ^or a car> there are scores who would be willing to lay out £100. Those are the customers I desire. Now listen. I am going to build a factory and equip it with the best labour- and time-saving tools I can find. I am going to build motor-cars, not by the dozen or score, but by the ten thousand. When I bring my factory to full productivity, I shall be able to turn out 100,000 cars —or more—a year. Now, you’ve got to sell them. You will not find the job so impossible as you seem inclined to imagine. Get the confidence of the public.