Did Ford own Chrysler?
No. Ford has never owned Chrysler. The two automakers have long competed and, at times, explored cooperation, but ownership has always remained separate. This article traces Chrysler’s complex ownership history and explains why Ford was never the owner.
What happened to Chrysler?
Chrysler’s ownership has shifted through several major phases as the auto industry consolidated and restructured in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The following timeline highlights the key ownership changes that shaped the company’s path to its current status as a brand under Stellantis.
- Chrysler Corporation (1925–1998): An independent automaker that grew into a major American brand after merging with Dodge and other lines.
- DaimlerChrysler era (1998–2007): Daimler-Benz AG acquired a controlling stake and then full ownership, creating the DaimlerChrysler conglomerate.
- Cerberus era (2007–2009): In 2007 Daimler sold Chrysler to Cerberus Capital Management, forming Chrysler LLC with Cerberus retaining a majority stake and Daimler retaining a minority stake for a period.
- Bankruptcy and Fiat partnership (2009–2014): Chrysler entered a U.S. government–backed bankruptcy; Fiat S.p.A. acquired a significant stake, eventually leading to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Stellantis era (2014–present): FCA merged with Peugeot S.A. to form Stellantis N.V. Chrysler remains a brand within Stellantis.
These ownership shifts illustrate how Chrysler moved from an independent American automaker to a European-influenced multinational brand within Stellantis.
Did Ford own Chrysler?
No. Ford Motor Company has never owned Chrysler. The two companies have long operated as separate, competing automakers, with occasional discussions of collaboration, but never an ownership stake. Below are concise takeaways about their relationship.
These points summarize the relationship and help clarify common questions about Ford’s involvement with Chrysler.
- No ownership transfer occurred in which Ford acquired Chrysler.
- Chrysler’s ownership path progressed through Daimler, Cerberus, Fiat, and now Stellantis, while Ford remained independent.
- Chrysler today is a brand within Stellantis, not a part of Ford.
In short, the record shows that Ford did not own Chrysler, and Chrysler’s evolution reflects broader industry consolidation and cross-border ownership trends that culminated in Stellantis.
Summary
Ford did not own Chrysler. Chrysler’s ownership history includes periods under Daimler, then Cerberus, followed by Fiat, and finally Stellantis after the FCA–PSA merger. Today, Chrysler is a brand within Stellantis, separate from Ford.
Is Chrysler owned by Ford?
Who is the owner of Chrysler? Today, Stellantis N.V. (STLA -3.56%) owns Chrysler. Stellantis is a multinational automotive group formed through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French automaker Groupe PSA.
What car companies did Ford own?
Ford has owned many car companies over the years, including Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Aston Martin, and Troller. Ford also had significant stakes in other companies like Mazda and Kia but sold its interests in them. Today, Ford primarily owns Ford and Lincoln, in addition to the Motorcraft parts brand.
Brands currently owned by Ford
- Lincoln: A luxury vehicle division acquired in 1922.
- Motorcraft: The name for Ford's auto parts and service brand.
Brands Ford formerly owned
- Mercury: Discontinued in 2011.
- Jaguar: Sold to Tata Motors in 2008.
- Land Rover: Sold to Tata Motors in 2008.
- Volvo: Sold to Geely in 2010.
- Aston Martin: Sold in 2007.
- Troller: A Brazilian manufacturer acquired in 2007 and later sold.
- Mazda: Ford sold its remaining stake in 2015 after previously holding a controlling interest.
Other former ventures
- Continental: Was a separate luxury division in the 1950s before being merged back into Lincoln-Mercury.
- Edsel: A division created to market a new car brand that was discontinued in 1959.
- Merkur: A brand that sold cars in North America, which was also eventually discontinued.
Who originally owned Chrysler?
Walter Chrysler originally owned Chrysler after reorganizing the Maxwell Motor Company into the Chrysler Corporation on June 6, 1925. He had previously launched the first Chrysler-badged automobile, the Chrysler 70, in 1924, under the Maxwell brand.
- Chrysler's early success was driven by its focus on innovative engineering, such as the six-cylinder engine and hydraulic brakes.
- The company was founded with the help of three engineers, Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton, and Carl Breer.
- Over time, Chrysler Corporation expanded by acquiring other companies, such as Dodge Brothers in 1928.
Is Lincoln Ford or Chrysler?
In 1922, Ford purchased the company but Lincoln continued to operate separately until around 1940. In 1940, Lincoln became an official division of Ford Motor Company.
