On September 15, 2008, Ford used lights in its Dearborn headquarters to spell “HAPPY 100 GM,” a greeting for General Motors’ centennial the next day. GM’s 100 years marked the anniversary of its incorporation on September 16, 1908.
What Ford displayed
Contemporary reports said Ford arranged selected office lights at its Dearborn headquarters to show the message “HAPPY 100 GM.” One account described offices being lit while others were left dark; another reported that the message appeared after sunset. Response.jp and Le Blog Auto both covered the display at the time.
Why GM was celebrating 100 years
General Motors Company was incorporated on September 16, 1908, making September 16, 2008, its centennial. Motor Trend’s centennial history identifies the incorporation date. A September 2008 statement in the Congressional Record also commemorates GM’s centennial and describes William C. Durant’s role in founding the company in Flint, followed by early growth through Buick and other acquisitions.
What the gesture does—and does not—establish
The display is aptly described as a birthday greeting or centennial salute from one automaker to another. The contemporary reports establish the message and location, but neither supplies a direct quotation from a Ford spokesperson explaining the gesture. The Congressional Record supports GM’s anniversary and founding context; it does not document Ford’s lighting arrangement.
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