What was Dodge originally called?
Dodge, one of the most iconic American automotive brands, was not always known by that name. In fact, the company that would eventually become Dodge had a different moniker in its early days. Let's explore the fascinating history behind the Dodge brand and how it came to be.
The Beginnings of Dodge
The Dodge brand traces its roots back to the Dodge Brothers Company, founded in 1900 by Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge. The two brothers were initially known for manufacturing and supplying parts for other automobile manufacturers, including the Ford Motor Company. It wasn't until 1914 that the Dodge Brothers Company began producing its own vehicles.
The first Dodge-branded car, the Dodge Model 30, was introduced in 1914. This four-cylinder, five-passenger touring car quickly gained popularity for its reliability and affordability. However, the Dodge Brothers Company was not originally called "Dodge." In fact, the company was initially known as the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company.
The Name Change to Dodge
The Dodge Brothers Company operated under the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company name until 1928, when the company was acquired by Chrysler Corporation. After the acquisition, the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company was officially renamed to the Dodge Division of Chrysler Corporation. This name change solidified the Dodge brand as a distinct entity within the Chrysler automotive empire.
The transition from the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company to the Dodge Division of Chrysler Corporation marked a significant milestone in the brand's history. It was during this time that the iconic Dodge logo and branding were established, further cementing the Dodge name as a recognizable and respected automotive marque.
The Legacy of the Dodge Brand
Today, the Dodge brand is known for its powerful, performance-oriented vehicles, such as the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger. However, the company's origins as the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company, and its subsequent evolution under the Chrysler Corporation, have shaped the brand's identity and contributed to its enduring legacy in the automotive industry.
The Dodge brand's transformation from its humble beginnings to its current status as a beloved American automotive icon is a testament to the vision and innovation of the Dodge brothers, as well as the strategic decisions made by the Chrysler Corporation over the years. The Dodge name has become synonymous with quality, durability, and a touch of automotive excitement, making it a beloved part of the American automotive landscape.
What are old Dodge trucks called?
D series
The D series (also called D/W series) is a line of pickup trucks that was sold by Dodge from October 1960 to September 30, 1993. The same basic design was retained until the October 1993 introduction of a completely redesigned Ram.
Why are Dodge cars called Mopar?
History of Mopar
The name Mopar was introduced by Chrysler in the 1920s and used as an official Chrysler brand name for antifreeze in 1937. Since its conception, the term Mopar has been adopted by car enthusiasts to describe vehicles and parts produced by the former Chrysler Corporation, now FCA US LLC.
What did Dodge used to be called?
Founded as the Dodge Brothers Company machine shop by brothers Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge in the early 1900s, Dodge was originally a supplier of parts and assemblies to Detroit-based automakers like Ford.
What does SRT stand for?
Street & Racing TechnologyStreet and Racing Technology / Full name
SRT stands for “Street and Racing Technology,” but the SRT meaning goes deeper than that. Dodge SRT automobiles are made with the highest quality Dodge parts designed for high-octane performance. You'll reach 0-60 in seconds in any one of our SRT vehicles.
Why did Ram drop Dodge's name?
So, why did Chrysler break up these two brands? This process allowed for more focused development of new models. Dodge created the Dodge Challenger to compete with the Chevy Corvette sports car, while the RAM lineup could focus on creating more powerful engines and more resilient builds for Spanaway jobs.
Why are RAM trucks not called Dodge anymore?
The year 2009 marked a significant restructuring for Chrysler, resulting in the creation of Chrysler Group LLC. This reorganization aimed to focus on the unique identities of each of its brands, leading to the separation of Dodge Ram trucks into its own standalone brand.
What was Dodge before it was Dodge?
The company was initially called the Dodge Brothers Company, and the two brothers manufactured and sold bicycles. Within two years of their business, the siblings ventured into the production of automobile parts, like axles, engines, and transmissions.
Why is Ram not called Dodge anymore?
In 2009, Dodge's parent company, Chrysler, decided to make RAM a standalone marque. But both Dodge and RAM are owned by the Chrysler group, which is itself a subsidiary of Stellantis.
What does Mopar actually stand for?
Mopar, the combination of the words "MOtor" and "PARts", is the exclusive source for authentic original equipment parts and accessories for the millions of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, and Fiat vehicles. If you own one of these vehicles, you can get access to Mopar's excellent, dedicated service.
Where did Dodge get the name demon?
However, soon after Chrysler's marketing department learned that their name choice was CB slang for a part of the female anatomy, the vehicle was renamed the “Dart Demon.” Although the name was innocent enough – the historic reasoning behind the name was in correspondence with getting people to come in for a look at ...