Dodge has a long and storied history in the American automotive industry. There’s a high chance you own one, dream of owning one, or have at least seen one around.
Founded in 1914 by brothers Horace and John Dodge, the company started off making parts for Ford before launching their own vehicle manufacturing.
After the Dodge brothers passed away, ownership of the company changed hands multiple times over the decades. Today, Dodge is owned by the multinational auto corporation Stellantis.
Dodge: Ownership Timeline
The Dodge brothers (John and Horace Dodge) founded the Dodge Brothers Motor Company machine shop in 1914, producing their first vehicle that year.
After both brothers died in 1920, ownership transferred to Dillon, Read & Co. in 1925 before the Chrysler Corporation acquired Dodge in 1928.
This merger with Chrysler kicked off Dodge’s heyday, making it the third best-selling automaker in the U.S. at the time. However, the 1970s oil crisis hit Chrysler and Dodge hard. The company bounced back in the 80s after developing the successful K Platform.
In 1998, Chrysler Corporation merged with Daimler-Benz to create DaimlerChrysler. Then in 2007, Chrysler was sold to Cerberus Capital Management and separated from Daimler.
Just two years later, amid financial struggles, Chrysler formed a global alliance with Fiat, transitioning to Chrysler Group LLC.
The two companies fully merged in 2014 under the name Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Interestingly, Chrysler is a relatively small company, compared to other American automaker titans, like Ford Motor Company and General Motors.
Most recently in 2021, a merger between FCA and French automaker Groupe PSA (or PSA Group) birthed Stellantis, which now owns Dodge.
Dodge Today
Despite its ownership changes, Dodge has maintained its reputation for power and performance. The brand still produces popular muscle cars and SUVs like the Charger, Challenger, and Durango.
And although parent company Stellantis is headquartered in Amsterdam, Dodge vehicles are largely manufactured in America. The brand has factories in Michigan, with additional plants in Canada and Mexico.
Dodge’s Most Popular Products
Some of the automaker’s most iconic and popular vehicles include the Dodge Caravan and Dodge Dart.
Introduced in 1984, the Dodge Caravan pioneered the minivan concept and has been a family favorite for over 30 years. Known for its versatility and spacious interior, the Caravan delivers reliable performance.
The Dodge Dart compact sedan also has a rich history in American auto manufacturing. First debuting in 1960, the Dart exemplified Dodge’s ability to pack power and style into a smaller, more efficient package.
Summary
Dodge has endured over a century of shifts in leadership and ownership. But through it all, the brand has never lost sight of its roots and dedication to making vehicles designed for power.
As Dodge moves forward under the Stellantis banner, only time will tell what the next 100 years may hold. One thing is for certain – the Dodge legacy lives on.
Curious about other car companies? Check out our articles on who owns Ferrari and who owns BMV now!
