What year did Dodge Brothers become Dodge?
The Dodge Brothers Company, founded by Horace and John Dodge, started as a supplier of parts and assemblies to the burgeoning automotive industry in the early 1900s. In 1914, the Dodge brothers decided to transition their company from a parts supplier to a full-fledged automobile manufacturer, marking the year when the Dodge Brothers name became the Dodge brand we know today.
The Dodge Brothers' Automotive Journey
Horace and John Dodge were skilled machinists and engineers who had previously worked for the Olds Motor Vehicle Company and the Ford Motor Company. In 1900, they founded the Dodge Brothers Company, which initially focused on manufacturing parts and assemblies for other automakers. The Dodge brothers were known for their high-quality work and innovative designs, and their parts were in high demand.
As the automotive industry grew, the Dodge brothers saw an opportunity to transition their company into a full-fledged automobile manufacturer. In 1914, they introduced their first complete vehicle, the Dodge Model 30, which was an immediate success. The Dodge Model 30 was known for its durability, reliability, and innovative features, and it quickly became a popular choice among consumers.
The Birth of the Dodge Brand
With the introduction of the Dodge Model 30, the Dodge Brothers Company officially became the Dodge brand. The Dodge name and logo were now synonymous with high-quality, innovative automobiles, and the company quickly established itself as a major player in the automotive industry.
The Dodge brothers continued to innovate and expand their product line, introducing new models and features that kept the brand at the forefront of the industry. Sadly, both Horace and John Dodge passed away in the early 1920s, but the Dodge brand they had built continued to thrive under new ownership.
The Legacy of the Dodge Brothers
The Dodge brothers' legacy lives on today, with the Dodge brand continuing to be a leader in the automotive industry. The company's commitment to innovation, quality, and durability has made it a beloved brand among consumers, and the Dodge name remains synonymous with high-performance, reliable vehicles.
The transition from a parts supplier to a full-fledged automobile manufacturer in 1914 was a pivotal moment in the history of the Dodge brand, and it marked the beginning of a legacy that continues to this day.
Why is Dodge RAM now just RAM?
The Ram, Jeep, Dodge, SRT and Chrysler divisions were separated to focus on their own identity and brands. Ram Trucks was established as a division of Chrysler in 2010, as a spin-off from Dodge, and using the name of the Dodge Ram line of pickups that is now sold under the Ram banner.
Who makes Ram engines?
Chrysler maintained production of the engines up until Stellantis took the helm in 2021, producing the Ram series in full—from the light-duty 1500 all the way up to the heavy-duty 3500. The only other company responsible for making Ram engines is Cummins, which is known for its diesel power plants.
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 did Dodge stop using the Ram logo?
Dodge and Ram eventually separated into their own entities, and when the truck brand branched out in 2010, they took the ram logo with them. This meant Dodge had to produce a new logo, but the brand decided to do something even better… they produced two!
When did the Dodge brothers become Dodge?
The year was 1914. Dodge Brothers finally became a fully-fledged car company. The brothers pushed their first model off of production lines during November that year and the rest is history.
Did the Dodge brothers build engines for Ford?
Henry Ford was very impressed with the Dodge Brothers' operation and offered them a one-tenth interest in his newly formed Ford Motor Company. The condition was that they had to equip their manufacturing business to build Ford engines and parts exclusively.
What year did the Dodge brothers leave Ford?
1913
For ten years (1903–1913), the Dodge brothers' business was a Ford Motor Company supplier, and Dodge worked as vice president of the Ford company. He left Ford in 1913, and in 1914 he and Horace formed Dodge Brothers to develop their own line of automobiles.
Who bought Dodge after the brothers died?
John Dodge died that month, while Horace passed away later that same year, on December 10. In 1925, the brothers' widows sold the Dodge Brothers Company to an investment bank for $146 million. In 1928, Walter Chrysler, founder of the Chrysler Corporation, purchased the Dodge company for $170 million.
Why is RAM not called Dodge anymore?
When Did Dodge and RAM Split? Chrysler acquired Dodge in 1981 and kept their most popular models, including RAM pickup trucks. From 1981 to 2009, their pickup trucks were named “Dodge RAM,”. After 2009, RAM trucks became its own brand.
Who bought Dodge after the Brothers died?
John Dodge died that month, while Horace passed away later that same year, on December 10. In 1925, the brothers' widows sold the Dodge Brothers Company to an investment bank for $146 million. In 1928, Walter Chrysler, founder of the Chrysler Corporation, purchased the Dodge company for $170 million.
