Who owns Chevrolet?
Chevrolet is owned by General Motors (GM), functioning as a division of GM. In practical terms, the brand is controlled by GM’s corporate leadership, and the ultimate owners are GM’s public shareholders.
Ownership at a glance
Here is how ownership breaks down and where Chevrolet fits within GM's corporate structure.
- Chevrolet is a division/brand of General Motors (GM).
- General Motors is a publicly traded company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange as GM.
- The actual owners of Chevrolet are the shareholders of GM, who own GM stock and elect its board of directors.
- In some markets GM operates through joint ventures or subsidiaries (for example, SAIC-GM in China), but Chevrolet as a brand remains under GM's umbrella.
Together, these points show that while Chevrolet carries its own brand identity, it exists within the governance and financial structure of GM, and is effectively owned by GM's shareholders.
Historical context
Chevrolet traces its roots to 1911 and became part of GM in 1918. The brand's history is tightly intertwined with GM's rise as a major global automaker.
Key milestones
Significant dates in Chevrolet's relationship with GM:
- 1911: Chevrolet Motor Company is founded by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant.
- 1918: General Motors acquires Chevrolet and folds it into its brand portfolio.
- 1960s–present: Chevrolet grows into GM's mainstream, mass-market division with models like the Silverado, Malibu, and Spark.
These milestones illustrate how Chevrolet moved from an independent company into GM's flagship brand for broad consumer cars and trucks.
Global presence and operations
While Chevrolet is owned by GM, operations such as manufacturing and joint ventures can vary by market. For instance, in China, GM runs the SAIC-GM joint venture to produce and market Chevrolet models in partnership with SAIC Motor.
In key markets around the world, ownership and operation details include:
- GM is the parent company and the ultimate legal owner of Chevrolet.
- In China, Chevrolet models are produced and marketed through SAIC-GM, a joint venture between GM and SAIC.
- GM trades publicly as GM; ownership is distributed among shareholders, with a board of directors and management responsible for strategy and governance.
These elements illustrate the global framework of Chevrolet's ownership and production network within GM's corporate structure.
Summary
Chevrolet is owned by General Motors (GM), with GM's public shareholders as the ultimate owners. The brand operates as GM's mass-market division, under the umbrella of GM's corporate governance, while regional operations and partnerships—such as SAIC-GM in China—shape its global presence. In short, Chevrolet remains a GM-owned brand managed by GM, with ownership vested in GM's shareholders.
Who is General Motors owned by?
In the past, the U.S. government was a majority shareholder in the company (after the 2008 bailouts). However, in 2010 GM broke free from the government's yoke and was reborn in its current incarnation. Today, the top three individual GM shareholders are Mary Barra, Mark Reuss and Dan Ammann.
Does China own 49 of GM?
No, China does not own 49% of GM; GM has a 49% stake in the SAIC-GM joint venture, while the Chinese state-owned company SAIC Motor holds the remaining 51%. This structure is specific to their joint venture, SAIC-GM, and does not mean China owns 49% of GM itself.
- SAIC-GM joint venture: In this specific joint venture, SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) holds a 51% stake, and GM holds a 49% stake.
- GM's ownership: General Motors is a publicly traded company, and its ownership is distributed among its shareholders.
- Other joint ventures: GM has other joint ventures in China with different ownership structures. For example, in the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, GM holds a 50.1% stake.
Who is the current owner of Chevrolet?
Yes, General Motors (GM) owns Chevy, along with GMC, Buick, and Cadillac. GM was first launched in 1908 in Flint, Michigan, and the automotive brand has been at the forefront of automotive innovation ever since.
Is Chevrolet still American owned?
Is Chevy American? Chevy is owned by General Motors, which owns Buick, GMC, and Cadillac as well. It's headquartered in the United States in Michigan. GM has facilities in 35 countries, including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.
