:::"The world hates change, but it is the only thing that has brought progress." - Charles Kettering
The first electrical ignition system or electric starter or cars was invented by GM engineers Clyde Coleman and Charles Kettering. The self starting ignition was first installed in a Cadillac on February 17, 1911. The invention of the electric starter by Charles Kettering eliminated the need for the hand crank. United States Patent# 1,150,523, was issued to Charles Kettering of Dayton, Ohio in 1915.

:::Charles Kettering became the founder of Delco (Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company). He also went on to invent: other automotive lighting and ignition systems, lacquer finishes for cars, antilock fuels, leaded gasoline, and an electric cash register.