Detroit had a lot of competition to become THE Motor City. Ten years prior, Cleveland would undoubtedly have won the crown, with its many car and car parts makers in the city.Even before then, the East Coast of the U.S. were the first states with car companies--including steam and electric cars. Detroit had the first auto show and many other factors-Ransom Olds, Henry Ford, and the Milwaukee Junction-that helped it become the Motor City.