Thomas H. White manufactured sewing machines before he began production of steam cars. The first four White steam cars were produced in 1900, followed by 193 units in 1901. The first White truck also was build in 1901, and production continues today. Peak production of the White steamer came in 1906 with 1,534 units--about twice the number of its closest competitor, Stanley. In 1918, White formally ended the production of passenger cars in order to concentrate on commercial vehicles. A total of 9,122 White steam cars had been produced.