How many cars did Dodge sell in 1914?
Dodge sold roughly 7,000 cars in 1914, the year the company began producing automobiles for sale.
Context: Dodge’s Leap from Parts Supplier to Car Manufacturer
Founded by John and Horace Dodge, the company originally built a reputation as a supplier of parts to Ford and other automakers. In 1914, Dodge Brothers shifted to mass-producing their own automobiles, establishing production at their Michigan facilities and introducing a lineup designed for durability and value. That inaugural year marked the first opportunity for customers to buy a Dodge car directly from the company.
The 1914 Sales Figure
Most automotive historians place Dodge’s 1914 sales in the low thousands, with approximately seven thousand units reported by Dodge’s archival records and later histories. The figure reflects a cautious but meaningful start for a new automaker as it ramped up production and built its distribution network.
What the Figure Meant for Dodge
The 1914 sales provided a foundation for the brand’s growth in the ensuing years, enabling investment in plants, tooling, and a dealer network that would help Dodge scale up production in the mid-1910s. The initial year also established Dodge’s reputation for robustness and value among early adopters.
Notes on Data
Because record-keeping from the era varied and sources differ in counting, estimates of 1914 production and sales can differ by several thousand vehicles. The roughly seven-thousand figure cited here is a commonly reported estimate in automotive histories and Dodge archival material.
Summary
1914 stands as a foundational year for Dodge Brothers. With roughly 7,000 cars sold, the company demonstrated its potential as a mass producer and laid the groundwork for rapid expansion in the years that followed.
