Where was Dodge originally made?
Dodge automobiles were originally made in Detroit, Michigan, United States. The Dodge Brothers—John and Horace Dodge—built their business in Detroit in the early 1900s and began producing their own cars there in 1914, a lineage that later became part of Chrysler and, today, Stellantis.
Origins of the Dodge Brothers
John Francis Dodge and Horace Elgin Dodge launched the company in Detroit around 1900 as a machine shop focused on engine components and other parts for the burgeoning auto industry. Their work earned them a reputation for quality and reliability as they supplied major automakers of the era, including Buick and Ford, before turning to vehicle manufacturing themselves.
Industrial Setting in Detroit
Detroit in the early 20th century was the epicenter of American carmaking, with a dense network of suppliers, engineers, and factories. The Dodges worked within this ecosystem, establishing a manufacturing presence in Detroit that would anchor the brand for decades.
Transition to Automobile Production
In 1914, the Dodge brothers moved from parts supply to building complete vehicles, producing models at their Detroit plant. The launch helped establish Dodge as a major American carmaker, with the Model 30 becoming a notable early offering from the brand.
Later History and Corporate Ties
After the deaths of the Dodge brothers in 1920, the company continued under Chrysler, which acquired Dodge in 1928. The Dodge brand persisted through subsequent corporate reorganizations and today is part of Stellantis, maintaining its historical roots in Detroit.
Legacy and Significance
The origin story of Dodge is tightly linked to Detroit’s automotive heritage. From a modest machine shop to a full-fledged car manufacturer, the company’s early success was anchored in the city that defined America’s auto industry for much of the 20th century.
Summary
Summary: Dodge was originally made in Detroit, Michigan. Founded by John and Horace Dodge around 1900 as a parts supplier and machine shop, the brothers began producing complete cars in Detroit in 1914. The brand later became part of Chrysler in 1928 and continues today under Stellantis, while preserving its Detroit origins in the broader auto-story narrative.
Where was the first Dodge car made?
Hamtramck, Michigan
The Early Days
The first factory was in Hamtramck, Michigan, and it opened in 1910. The first complete vehicle wasn't made until 1914. This first model was known as a four-cylinder Dodge Model 30/35 and was seen as an upscale vehicle.
Who originally owned Dodge?
Dodge was founded by brothers John Francis Dodge and Horace Elgin Dodge and was later acquired by Chrysler in 1928. Chrysler then went through several mergers and acquisitions, and Dodge is now owned by the current parent company, Stellantis, which was formed in 2021.
- Dodge Brothers Company: The company was founded as the Dodge Brothers Company in 1900 by John and Horace Dodge.
- Acquisition by Chrysler: In 1928, the Chrysler Corporation bought the Dodge company.
- Formation of Stellantis: Over the years, Chrysler merged with other companies, eventually forming Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). In 2021, FCA merged with Peugeot Societe Anonyme to create the new parent company, Stellantis, which currently owns the Dodge brand.
What car is 100% made in America?
No car sold in the U.S. is entirely made in America using only parts made in America. Not one single vehicle. Many vehicles from American companies, like Ford, Chevy, and Stellantis (which owns brands like Jeep and Ram), are assembled in Canada and Mexico.
What came out first, Dodge or Chevy?
The Ford Motor Company was the first brand as it was founded in 1903 by the very famous Henry Ford. Eight years later, Louis Chevrolet and William Durant started Chevrolet in 1911 and three years later in 1914 the Dodge brothers, Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge, founded the “Dodge Brothers” brand.
