Is the Dodge built by Chrysler?
The Dodge brand is part of Chrysler’s corporate lineage, but today both brands operate under Stellantis, the multinational created by the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group.
Origins and the Chrysler era
In 1928, the Dodge Brothers’ company was acquired by what would become Chrysler Corporation, turning Dodge into a major U.S. automotive brand under the Chrysler umbrella. This began a long period of Dodge manufacturing within a consolidated automotive group.
Key milestones in the corporate relationship
Below is a concise timeline of how Dodge moved through corporate ownership and structure.
- 1900 — Dodge Brothers establish a Detroit-based automobile business, later becoming a supplier of engines and vehicles.
- 1928 — Chrysler purchases Dodge; Dodge becomes a brand within Chrysler Corporation.
- 1998 — Chrysler merges with Daimler to form DaimlerChrysler AG, placing Dodge within a global automotive group.
- 2009 — Chrysler files for bankruptcy and is restructured; Fiat acquires a stake and later full control.
- 2014 — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is formed from Fiat's full acquisition of Chrysler Group, continuing Dodge as a brand within FCA.
- 2021 — FCA merges with PSA Group to form Stellantis; Dodge remains a brand within Stellantis alongside Chrysler and other brands.
These milestones illustrate that while traditional phrasing referenced "Chrysler" as the company building Dodge vehicles, the modern reality is Dodge is produced by Stellantis, with Chrysler as one of several brands in the same corporate family.
Current corporate home and what it means for Dodge
Today, Dodge is one of several consumer brands under Stellantis. The Chrysler name remains a separate brand under the same corporate umbrella, and Stellantis manufactures vehicles for all its brands across multiple global facilities.
- Stellantis is the parent company created in 2021 by merging FCA with PSA Group.
- Dodge and Chrysler are two distinct brands within Stellantis, each with its own model lineup.
- Other Stellantis brands include Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Abarth, Peugeot, Opel/Vauxhall, and more.
For consumers, the practical takeaway is straightforward: Dodge vehicles are produced within the Stellantis network, and the name Dodge today reflects a brand that sits alongside Chrysler rather than being a standalone manufacturer.
Summary
In short, Dodge originated as its own company in the early 20th century and became part of Chrysler in 1928. Today, both Dodge and Chrysler exist as brands under Stellantis, the global automaker formed in 2021. The historical connection remains, but the corporate identity is that of Stellantis rather than a single Chrysler company.
Is RAM still owned by Dodge?
No, Dodge does not own Ram; Ram is its own distinct brand under the parent company Stellantis. While Ram trucks were originally sold as Dodge Ram models, they became a separate brand in 2009 to allow Dodge to focus on performance cars and SUVs. Both brands are now part of Stellantis, along with Chrysler, Jeep, and others.
- Ram is a separate brand: Since 2009, Ram has operated as its own brand, focusing on pickup trucks and commercial vehicles.
- Dodge focuses on other vehicles: The Dodge brand now focuses on performance vehicles like the Charger and Challenger, as well as SUVs like the Durango.
- Common parent company: Both brands are owned by Stellantis, the company formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group.
- Historical connection: Dodge Ram trucks were produced before 2009, but post-2009 pickups are simply called Ram trucks.
Why is RAM not Dodge anymore?
Ram is not a Dodge anymore because it was spun off into a separate brand in 2009 to allow Dodge to focus on performance cars and Ram to concentrate on trucks. This strategic move created two distinct brands with their own identities and product lines, allowing each to better cater to its specific customer base. Dodge now focuses on muscle cars and other performance vehicles, while Ram specializes in trucks and commercial vans.
- Clarified brand identity: The split was a strategic move to create a clear distinction between a performance-oriented brand (Dodge) and a truck-focused brand (Ram).
- Focused product development: This allowed each brand to dedicate its resources and research to its core market, leading to more specialized and competitive products.
- Targeted customers: Ram now focuses on "real truck customers" who need capability and power, while Dodge targets a different demographic interested in its performance vehicles.
- Leadership and structure: Separate leadership was appointed for each brand to own its success and steer its future, with Fred Diaz Jr. leading Ram and Ralph Gilles leading Dodge after the 2009 split.
Are Chrysler and Dodge the same company?
No, Chrysler and Dodge are not the same company, though they are distinct brands owned by the same parent company, Stellantis. Stellantis was formed from a merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group, and it oversees many other brands besides Chrysler and Dodge, such as Jeep, RAM, and Fiat. The brands operate separately with their own unique vehicle lineups, with Chrysler typically focusing on family-friendly and luxury vehicles, and Dodge emphasizing performance and sports cars.
- Parent company: Both Chrysler and Dodge are part of the same multinational corporation, Stellantis.
- Distinct brands: They are two separate and distinct brands, not the same company.
- Brand focus: Chrysler generally targets a more family-oriented and luxury market, while Dodge is known for high-performance vehicles and sports cars.
- Other brands: Stellantis also owns other well-known brands, including Jeep, RAM, and Fiat, among others.
Did Chrysler buy Dodge?
Yes, Chrysler bought the Dodge Brothers Company in 1928, making Dodge a part of the Chrysler Corporation. Today, both Chrysler and Dodge are brands under the parent company Stellantis, which was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group.
- Initial acquisition: In 1928, Walter Chrysler bought the Dodge Brothers Company, which had been sold to an investment bank by the brothers' widows in 1925 after their deaths.
- Brand integration: Dodge was kept as a distinct brand and integrated into the Chrysler automotive group alongside other brands like Plymouth and DeSoto, which were later eliminated.
- Modern ownership: After many changes in ownership, the company that included Chrysler and Dodge became known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). FCA then merged with the PSA Group to form the current parent company, Stellantis.
