The Big Car Database

Krit

K-R-I-T (or simply "Krit") was a small automobile manufacturing company (1909–1916) based in Detroit, Michigan.

Former type

Automobile Manufacturing
Industry Automotive
Genre Touring cars, roadsters
Founded 1909
Defunct 1916
Headquarters Detroit, Michigan, United States

Area served

United States
Products Vehicles
Automotive parts

History

Its name probably originated from Kenneth Crittenden, who provided financial backing and helped design the cars. The emblem of the cars was a swastika. Krit occupied two different sites during its history: the first one it took over from the Blomstrom car, and in 1911 moved to the works that had been used by R. M. Owen & Company who had moved to become Owen Magnetic. The cars were conventional 4-cylinder models and many were exported to Europe and Australia. The outbreak of World War I seriously damaged the company and it failed in 1915. A few cars were subsequently assembled from remaining parts.

In 1911 the KRIT Motor Company was purchased by Walter S Russel of the Russel Wheel and Foundry Company.

Surviving examples

  • 1913 K-R-I-T "KT" 5-Passenger Touring at the National Automobile Museum.