Who was Dodge founded by?
The Dodge brand was founded by Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge, two American brothers who formed the Dodge Brothers Company in the early 20th century.
Originally auto parts suppliers to Ford, the Dodge brothers later expanded into full vehicle manufacturing, launching their own Dodge automobiles in 1914. The brand was later acquired by Chrysler in 1928 and today operates as a core marque within Stellantis, continuing a legacy of durability and performance.
Founders and Early History
The Dodge brothers—Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge—built a business that started with parts manufacturing before moving into complete car production. Their work helped establish Dodge as a recognizable name in early American automotive engineering.
Milestones illustrating the Dodge founders' path from parts supplier to car maker and beyond:
- The Dodge Brothers Company is formed in 1900 to manufacture automotive parts and components for Ford Motor Company.
- In 1914, Dodge begins producing its own passenger cars under the Dodge name, marking its entry into full vehicle manufacturing.
- In 1928, Chrysler Corporation acquires the Dodge Brothers Company, integrating the Dodge brand into a larger corporate portfolio.
These milestones show how the Dodge brothers transformed a parts business into a standalone automotive brand that would endure through subsequent corporate changes.
Modern Dodge under Stellantis
From its origins as a parts supplier, Dodge evolved into a major automotive brand within Chrysler and, after the 2021 merger that formed Stellantis, continues to operate as a key marque. Today, Dodge is known for a blend of performance-oriented models and mainstream vehicles within the global automaker’s portfolio.
Summary
In brief, Dodge was founded by Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge—the Dodge Brothers—who began by supplying parts to Ford, then launched their own cars in 1914. The brand was acquired by Chrysler in 1928 and now sits under Stellantis, maintaining a long-standing reputation for durability and performance in the automotive landscape.
Did the Dodge Brothers work for Ford?
Yes, the Dodge brothers worked for Ford, not as employees, but as the exclusive supplier of major components for Ford Motor Company's early vehicles, including engines, transmissions, and axles, from 1903 to 1913. The brothers were so integral to Ford's success that they accepted 100 shares of Ford stock in exchange for their initial investment in supplying Ford's first cars.
- Early partnership: The Dodge Brothers Company was a key supplier for Ford from 1903 to 1913.
- Stock ownership: As part of their agreement, the Dodge brothers became early shareholders in the Ford Motor Company, receiving 100 shares in exchange for their services and investment.
- Separation: After a decade of supplying Ford, the brothers ended their relationship in 1913 to begin building their own automobiles, with the first Dodge car rolling out the following year.
What was the tragic story of the Dodge Brothers?
Tragic Loss and Enduring Legacy
Tragedy struck in 1920 when both John and Horace Dodge died—John from pneumonia and Horace from cirrhosis of the liver. Despite their untimely deaths, the Dodge Brothers Motor Company continued to thrive.
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.
Who bought Dodge after the Dodge Brothers died?
Walter Chrysler
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.
