Calling all cars: Motorola's early police radios

In June 1930 Galvin Manufacturing Corporation introduced the Motorola radio, one of the first commercially successful car radios. Company founder Paul V. Galvin created the brand name Motorola for the car radio — linking “motor” (for motorcar) with “ola” (which implied sound). Thus the Motorola brand meant sound in motion. This radio was intended for the general public, but soon police departments and city governments in United States ordered radios for public safety use. This was the beginning of Motorola's expertise in mobile communications and long customer relationships.