1903 - Cadillac Model A Runabout with rack-and-pinion steering, variable intake-valve timing debuts at the New York Auto Show. Powered by a single-cylinder 10-horsepower engine, it traveled at over 30 miles per hour and got 25 miles per gallon.

1905 - The Osceola was Cadillac's first concept car and featured the first fully-closed body. General Motors acquires Cadillac for $5,969,200.

1908 - Cadillac becomes the "Standard of the World" and the first American automobile manufacturer to win the Dewar Trophy.

1909 - Cadillac offers the world's first limousine.

1912 - Cadillac offers the Delco Electric Self-Starter; becomes the first and only company to win the Dewar Trophy twice.

1915 - Cadillac produced the first full-armored car; created the first mass-produced V8 engine - it was also the first engine to use thermostatically controlled water-cooling technology.

1922 - With innovations like the standard windshield wiper and rearview mirror, demand intensified with production exceeding over 20,000.

1924 - Cadillac pioneered the use of fast-drying Duco lacquer paints and offer over 500 color combinations while most competitors only offered black.

1926 - Cadillac becomes the first automobile manufacturer to develop a comprehensive nationwide service policy.

1930 - Cadillac produces the world's first V-type 16-cylinder engine for passenger cars. It was smooth, quiet and powerful with 160 horsepower from 452 cubic inches.

1934 - Cadillac introduces the world's first independent front suspension on its entire line of automobiles.

1937 - The Cadillac Lasalle V8 set a new speed and endurance record at the Indianapolis 500 with an average speed of 82 miles per hour.

1938 - Cadillac introduces the first sunroofs in America: The Sunshine Turret Top

1940 - Cadillac introduces the first fully automatic transmission: The Hydra-Matic transmission.

1949 - The Cadillac Coupe DeVille introduced the world's first pillarless two-door hard top body style; Cadillac created their first overhead valve, high-compression V8 engine with 160 horsepower from 331 cubic inches.

1953 - The Cadillac Eldorado, America's dream car for a record 23 years, was introduced with the industry's first wrap-around windshield, the first signal-seeking automotive radio, and the Autronic Eye - the first automatic headlight dimmer. Other innovations were leather upholstery and chrome wire wheels.

1954 - Cadillac becomes the first auto manufacturer to offer power steering as standard equipment on its entire line of automobiles.

1957 - The Eldorado Brougham introduced the first quad headlamps, six-way power seats with memory, automatic door locks, forged aluminum wheels and an air suspension.

1964 - Cadillac debuted with the industry's first automatic climate control system: Comfort Control; Cadillac debuted an industry-first "Twilight Sentinel" system which automatically turned the headlights off and/or on at dusk/sunrise.

1965 - Cadillac introduces automatic load leveling and tilt/telescopic steering wheels.

1967 - The Cadillac Eldorado perfects front-wheel drive with a smoother, quiter ride than other luxury cars of its day.

1969 - Cadillac introduces the industry's first closed cooling system, making overheated engines a thing of the past.

1971 - Cadillac offers "Track Master", an advanced, computerized rear-wheel skid-control braking system as optional equipment.

1974 - Cadillac pioneered the use of the air cushion restraint (air bag) system.

1975 - Cadillac becomes the first U.S. auto manufacturer to install electronic fuel injection and introduces the catalytic converter.

1978 - Cadillac becomes the first auto manufacturer to test digital computerization in cars.

1987 - The Cadillac Allante becomes America's first automobile to compete in the ultra-luxury market. This two seater was designed and built in Italy by the renowned coach-building firm of Pininfarina.

1988 - Cadillac is the first American luxury carmaker to implement a 24-hour, 365 day-a-year roadside service program.

1990 - The Cadillac Allante becomes the first front-wheel drive vehicle with electronic traction control.

1992 - Cadillac introduces the first 32-valve V8 engine (1993 model year): the Northstar

1999 - Cadillac offers the first automotive application of thermal-imaging technology: Night Vision.