Bates (automobile)

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4 seater Bates

The Bates was an automobile manufactured in Lansing, Michigan, by the Bates Automobile Company from 1903-05. The Bates was the brainchild of M.F. Bates, who was vice-president of the company. The company was organized on May 27, 1903. The Bates Automobile Company was entirely separate from the Bates & Edmonds Company.

Bates automobile manufacturing was started up in the old "Armory" building on South Capitol Avenue, in Lansing. They started out producing a single cylinder runabout and later produced a few two-seater cars with four-cylinders. Four-seater tourer cars were also produced costing $2,000. In all, a total of about 25 cars were produced. The company's slogan was 'Buy a Bates and Keep Your Dates'.

Others involved with the company were: J.P. Edmonds, M.F. Bates, F.M. Seibley J.E. Roe, Dr. H.A. Haze, and R.W. Morse.