Which car introduced the electric starter to production automobiles in 1912?

The Cadillac Model Thirty introduced the electric starter to production automobiles in 1912.

Before Cadillac adopted it, motorists commonly started engines by turning a hand crank mounted at the front of the car. Cranking could be difficult and dangerous because the handle could kick back when the engine fired. Cadillac worked with inventor Charles Kettering to develop an electrically powered starting system, which first appeared on the 1912 Cadillac Model Thirty.

The starter motor operated from the car’s electrical system and made starting much easier. The same system also powered an electric ignition and lighting equipment, helping establish the modern automobile’s basic starting arrangement.

A common mix-up is crediting the invention simply to Cadillac. Cadillac was the manufacturer that introduced the system in production, while Kettering and his engineering team developed the Delco starter technology.