Are Chevrolet and Chrysler the same company?
No. They are not the same company. Chevrolet is a brand owned by General Motors (GM), while Chrysler is a brand under Stellantis, the multinational automaker formed in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. They operate as distinct corporate entities with separate histories and product lines.
The question touches on the broader structure of the U.S. and global automotive industry, where many familiar names share roads but not ownership. In practical terms, a Chevrolet vehicle is designed and sold under GM’s corporate umbrella, whereas a Chrysler vehicle comes from Stellantis. Here is a closer look at how they are organized today and how they got there.
Ownership and brand structure
Below is a concise outline of who owns each brand and how they fit within their parent organizations.
- Chevrolet is a long-running brand of General Motors (GM), a single corporate group that owns multiple brands and operates globally from its headquarters in Detroit.
- Chrysler is a brand under Stellantis, the multinational automaker created in 2021 when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) merged with PSA Group. Stellantis also owns other brands such as Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Opel/Vauxhall.
- GM and Stellantis are separate corporate groups with different leadership, governance, and strategic priorities.
- Both brands produce vehicles worldwide, but they compete under different corporate lineups and market approaches.
Conclusion: These points show that Chevrolet and Chrysler are not the same company; they belong to different parent companies with distinct lineages and brand portfolios.
Historical context
Understanding the timelines helps explain why Chevrolet and Chrysler are distinct today.
- Chevrolet was founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant; GM acquired controlling interest in Chevrolet in 1918, making it a core GM brand.
- Chrysler was founded in 1925 by Walter P. Chrysler; it became part of DaimlerChrysler from 1998 to 2007, then moved through various ownership structures, including private ownership by Cerberus Capital Management and a 2009 government-supported bankruptcy restructuring.
- In 2009, both GM and Chrysler underwent bankruptcies and restructurings. GM eventually reorganized under a federally supported loan program and emerged in 2010; Chrysler restructured and partnered with Fiat, leading to its 2014 rebranding as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
- In 2021, FCA merged with PSA Group to form Stellantis, making Chrysler one of Stellantis’ several brands, while Chevrolet remained under General Motors.
Conclusion: The historical arc shows two distinct corporate lineages with shared automotive milestones, but they never become a single company. Their current ownership reflects the outcome of mid- to late-20th century consolidations and 21st-century mergers.
What this means for consumers
For buyers and enthusiasts, the distinction matters primarily in terms of warranty coverage, service networks, and aftersales support, which are organized according to each parent company’s brand ecosystem. It also shapes design language, technology offerings, and investment priorities across the two brands.
Summary
Chevrolet and Chrysler are not the same company. Chevrolet is a GM brand, and Chrysler is part of Stellantis, the result of a 2021 merger between FCA and PSA Group. They operate independently with separate histories, leadership, and brand portfolios, though both contribute significantly to the broader landscape of American and global automaking.
