What did REO stand for in the name for the company that produced several car models, one of them being the speedwagon?

serpa

Mr. Olds initials were used for the name. REO was initiated by Ransom E. Olds during August 1904. Olds had 52 percent of the stock and the titles of president and general manager. To ensure a reliable supply of parts, he organized a number of subsidiary firms like the National Coil Company, the Michigan Screw Company, and the Atlas Drop Forge Company. Originally the company was to be called "R. E. Olds Motor Car Company," but the owner of Olds' previous company, then called Olds Motor Works, objected and threatened legal action on the grounds of likely confusion of names by consumers.[1] Olds then changed the name to his initials. Olds Motor Works soon adopted the popular name of its vehicles, Oldsmobile. Then instead of two "Olds" companies there were none. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REO_Motor_Car_Company Jan 19 10, 2:43 PM