At that time, the Quebec government did not clear snow from secondary roads, so residents of these areas stored their cars for the winter season.

The idea to build a winter vehicle came to Bombardier after a blizzard in which his young son fell ill from peritonitis and died because he could not be brought to the nearest hospital.

A new 12-passenger model was made available in 1941 which was referred to as the B12, but demand was halted when Canada entered World War II.

Bombardier offered his expertise to the Canadian government and started producing specialized military vehicles for the Allies.

After the war, business declined when the Quebec government began clearing snow from secondary roads in 1948.