Caterpillar’s unwavering commitment to customer success has driven us for nearly a century. As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we continue to innovate, adapt, and evolve. Cat Trial 14: After Hours showcases our commitment by bringing Cat® equipment from the past and present to life in an illuminated nighttime spectacle. This visual display embodies the spirit of Caterpillar and demonstrates how we’ve stood by our customers for 100 years while gearing up for the challenges of the future.
A Legacy of Innovation
The roots of Caterpillar’s innovative spirit trace back to the early 1920s. The Holt Manufacturing Company and C. L. Best Gas Traction Company, pivotal in shaping the heavy machinery industry, faced a market flooded with surplus machines after World War I. Best brought a strong domestic presence, an advanced dealer network, and a diverse product line, while Holt contributed a worldwide reputation, the iconic “Caterpillar” name, and cutting-edge manufacturing facilities.
Their merger in 1925 laid the foundation for Caterpillar. Over the past century, we expanded globally and introduced groundbreaking products such as the D10 track-type tractor with an elevated sprocket design and the 797 mining truck. We embraced technological advancements, like the autonomous mining truck in 1996, to enhance job-site safety.
Centennial Celebrations
As we mark 100 years in 2025, we proudly introduce limited edition Centennial Grey paint machines, represented by the Cat® Centennial D3 Dozer, featured in Cat Trial 14: After Hours. The video also highlights other noteworthy machines, including the versatile Cat TH1255 Telehandler and a unique, real-life Power Loader built by Hacksmith Entertainment, inspired by a futuristic machine from a popular movie franchise.
Powering the Past, Present, and Future
Cat Trial 14: After Hours features a stunning display of industrial, marine products, and electric power solutions. In fact, if we aggregate all of Caterpillar’s current genset power, it would be sufficient to power the entire country of Brazil—the world’s seventh-largest power consumer, with a population of 214 million. These power offerings align with our broader strategy to support customers wherever, whenever, and however they need power.
Global Reach Supported by a Vast Dealer Network
Caterpillar’s global presence has been a cornerstone of our success since the early days. In 1908, the first Holt Manufacturing Company gasoline-powered “Caterpillar” track-type tractor was sold, quickly finding its way across the globe. By 1914, Caterpillar machines were introduced in Asia, with initial units sold in Indonesia for plowing sugar-cane fields. Soon after, customers in India and Japan experienced the benefits of our products.
Today, the Cat® dealer network spans over 190 countries, with nearly 170,000 Cat dealer employees worldwide. Many dealerships are independent, family-owned businesses, some predating Caterpillar’s foundation in 1925. The average Cat dealership boasts over 50 years of experience, highlighting the enduring relationships we have built over the decades.
Commitment to Customers’ Success
As we honor our past, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the future. Continuing to help our valued customers excel, we invested $2.1 billion in research and development in 2023 alone. This ensures our engineers are constantly innovating and anticipating future trends. By being proactive, we stay ready to provide new solutions, keeping us ahead of the curve and catering to our customers’ needs.
Celebrating a Century of Success
In Cat Trial 14: After Hours, we celebrate our customers’ success by spotlighting a rich history of cutting-edge solutions. Full support and incredible innovations for our customers pave the path for the next 100 years and beyond.