Alternate use: Dodge (disambiguation)

Dodge is a brand name of automobiles and light- to heavy-duty trucks. It is part of the DaimlerChrysler company. Prior to 1928, the company was named Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company.

History

In 1901 John Francis Dodge and Horace Elgin Dodge moved their Dodge Brothers Bicycle & Machine Factory to Detroit, Michigan. Their bearings and other parts were in demand with the early automobile industry, and they helped design motor parts for early Oldsmobiles.

In 1902 the Dodge Brothers were approached by Henry Ford, who was looking for help in financing his own automobile company. Dodge Brothers helped finance the start of the Ford Motor Company as well as manufacturing parts for early Fords, to Ford and the Dodge Brothers mutual financial benefit.

Dodge Brothers 4-Door Sedan, from a 1920 magazine advertisement

In 1914 the Dodge Brothers started their own auto company, which they named the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company. Early models had some similarities to the Ford Model T, but with such refinements as electric rather than crank start, as were becoming popular with the middle class. The new Dodge cars were a commercial success.

In 1917 Dodge Brothers began building motor trucks as well, at first for use by the United States Army during World War I, then commercially after the war's end.

In 1925 the Dodge Brothers Company was purchased by Dillon, Read and Company for $146 million dollars, said to be the largest cash transaction in history up to that time. Dillon Read in turn sold Dodge to the Chrysler Corporation on July 31, 1928.

Dodge is now part of the DaimlerChrysler company. As of 2005, the Dodge brand has become known primarily for its trucks, which account for 78% of the division's sales. Dodge is attempting to change this with the introduction of the new Dodge Charger.

See also

• List of Dodge automobiles
• List of automobile manufacturers

External link

Dodge