Who bought Dodge after the Brothers died?
Chrysler Corporation, under Walter P. Chrysler, bought Dodge after the Dodge brothers died, bringing the Dodge brand into the Chrysler family in the late 1920s. The brothers died in 1920, and the acquisition occurred several years later.
Context: The Dodge Brothers and Their Company
John Francis Dodge and Horace Elgin Dodge built the Dodge Brothers Company in the early 20th century, becoming major suppliers to Ford before launching their own automobile venture. After their deaths in 1920, the Dodge business continued under their estate and management, with the goal of preserving and growing the brand for the long term.
Path to Acquisition
Several years of corporate reshuffling prepared the aisle for a major consolidation in the American auto industry. Walter P. Chrysler, already a prominent figure in the sector, had built up a portfolio of auto-related assets and formed the Chrysler Corporation, positioning the company to pursue strategic acquisitions.
Below are the pivotal milestones that led to Chrysler's acquisition of Dodge:
- 1920: The Dodge brothers die; the Dodge Brothers Company continues under the control of their estate and executive leadership, preserving the business and its name.
- 1925: Walter P. Chrysler consolidates holdings and forms the Chrysler Corporation, extending its scale and product reach through acquisitions.
- 1928: The Chrysler Corporation purchases the Dodge Brothers Company's assets and the Dodge automobile line, integrating Dodge into Chrysler and creating a larger, diversified automaker.
Concluding: The acquisition integrated Dodge into Chrysler, allowing the Dodge brand to continue under new ownership and paving the way for future corporate reorganizations and brand developments within the broader group.
Current Status of the Dodge Brand
Today, the Dodge brand is part of Stellantis, the multinational automaker formed in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA. Dodge persists as a distinct brand known for performance-oriented cars and SUVs, continuing the legacy that began with the Dodge brothers.
Why this history mattered
The Dodge acquisition was a turning point that helped create one of America’s enduring auto groups, shaping product strategy, branding, and competition through the mid-20th century and into the modern era.
Summary: The Dodge brand became part of the Chrysler organization through a 1928 acquisition by Walter P. Chrysler, after the Dodge brothers’ deaths in 1920. Since then, Dodge has endured through multiple corporate restructurings and today operates under Stellantis, maintaining its legacy in the contemporary auto market.
