 Boston Globe | A brief history of General Motors Corp. The Associated Press 1910 - Durant brings the Buick, Olds, Pontiac, Cadillac, Champion ignition, AC spark plug and other companies into GM. Sales rise 60 percent, but earnings lag. Durant is ousted by bankers as company sinks into debt. 1911 - Electric self-starter first ... Video: General Motor's slide into oblivion 27 May 09 GM's tough road to avoid bankruptcy Tri-parish car dealers revved up, despite tough economic outlook |