Who was Dodge owned by?
Today, Dodge is owned by Stellantis N.V., the multinational automaker formed in 2021 by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA. Stellantis now oversees the Dodge brand as part of its global portfolio.
To understand that answer, it helps to trace Dodge’s history: from its founding by the Dodge brothers to a long line of corporate reorganizations that placed the nameplate under larger auto giants. This article lays out the key moments and what they mean for Dodge today.
Origins: The Dodge brothers and the birth of a brand
The Dodge name began with John F. Dodge and Horace H. Dodge, two brothers who built a business supplying parts and engines to Ford before launching their own vehicles. Their early success laid the groundwork for what would become a storied American automotive badge.
Leading into ownership
In 1928, Chrysler Corporation acquired the Dodge Brothers Company, bringing the Dodge name under a major automaker for the first time. This shift marked Dodge’s transition from an independent founder-owned company to a key brand within a larger corporate family.
Major corporate transitions: From Chrysler to FCA, then Stellantis
Over the decades, Dodge rode through several corporate realignments as the U.S. auto industry consolidated and globalized. The following highlights describe this lineage.
- The Dodge Brothers Company is acquired by Chrysler Corporation in 1928, bringing Dodge into the Chrysler family.
- 1960s–1990s: Dodge operates as a principal brand within Chrysler, expanding its lineup and market presence.
- 1998–2007: DaimlerChrysler era; Daimler-Benz (later Daimler) acquires a substantial stake in Chrysler, intertwining the two companies before Chrysler is later divested by Daimler.
- 2009: Following bankruptcy restructurings, Chrysler re-emerges under new ownership arrangements with Fiat.
- 2014: Fiat S.p.A. merges with the Chrysler Group to form Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), with Dodge remaining a core brand within FCA’s portfolio.
- 2021: FCA and Groupe PSA merge to create Stellantis N.V., which now owns Dodge as part of its global brand lineup.
These changes reflect the broader consolidation of the global auto industry, rather than changes in Dodge’s own product strategy or branding.
Current status: Dodge under Stellantis
Today, Dodge is a brand owned by Stellantis. The company uses shared engineering and manufacturing resources across its brands while maintaining a distinct American identity, particularly in performance-oriented models like the Charger, Challenger, and Durango. Stellantis oversees a wide range of brands globally, with Dodge positioned as a high-profile performer within its North American portfolio.
Summary
From its inception by the Dodge brothers to a series of parent-company restructurings, the Dodge brand has moved from founder-owned roots to a global automotive group. The current owner is Stellantis N.V., the result of the 2021 merger between FCA and Groupe PSA. Dodge remains a key American brand within that multinational corporation, retaining its performance-oriented heritage while integrating with a broader corporate ecosystem.
Is Dodge still owned by Chrysler?
No, Chrysler does not own Dodge, but both brands are owned by the parent company, Stellantis. Stellantis was formed by the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group, and it now owns numerous brands including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Fiat, and others.
- Parent company: Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM were once part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), but FCA merged with PSA Group to form the new parent company, Stellantis.
- Brand relationship: Both Chrysler and Dodge are now separate brands under the Stellantis umbrella, with each focusing on different market segments.
- Brand focus: Dodge focuses on performance-oriented vehicles, while Chrysler focuses on safety and interior options, notes Tadd Jenkins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
- RAM split: The RAM truck brand was split from Dodge in 2009 to allow both to focus on their respective strengths, with Dodge concentrating on muscle cars and performance SUVs, and RAM focusing solely on trucks, explains Perkins Motors.
Who originally owned Dodge?
Dodge Ownership History
The Dodge brand was established by the Dodge Brothers, John and Horace Dodge, who were originally manufacturers of automotive parts for the Ford company. After venturing out on their own, they founded the Dodge Brothers Motor Company, introducing their first four-cylinder Dodge Model in 1914.
Are Jeep and Dodge the same?
No, Jeep and Dodge are not the same; they are distinct brands that are both owned by the parent company Stellantis. While they share the same parent company, each brand has a separate history, distinct vehicle lineups, and different target audiences.
- Parent Company: Both Jeep and Dodge were previously under Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and are now part of the merged company, Stellantis.
- Brand Identity: Jeep is known for its off-road and adventure vehicles, while Dodge focuses on performance-oriented cars and SUVs, notes Cornerstone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
- Vehicle Lineups: Jeep's lineup includes models like the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, while Dodge's includes vehicles such as the Challenger, Charger, and Durango, according to U.S. News & World Report and Carolina Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
- Shared Components: Some models may share platforms or components because they are made by the same parent company, but they are still developed and marketed as separate brands, says Reddit.
When did Stellantis buy Dodge?
Stellantis did not buy Dodge directly; rather, Dodge became part of Stellantis when its parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), merged with PSA Group on January 16, 2021. The merger created the new multinational corporation Stellantis, which now owns the Dodge brand along with many others.
- The merger: Stellantis was formed when FCA and PSA Group combined in a 50-50 all-stock deal.
- Dodge's history: Dodge was a part of Chrysler, which became Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) after an acquisition by Fiat in 2014.
- Current status: Dodge continues to operate as a brand under the Stellantis umbrella, alongside other former FCA and PSA brands like Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, and Fiat.
