History of Chevy Motors

Chevrolet is a GM brand company that has an almost 100-year history. Started in 1911 by a racecar driver names Louis Chevrolet, the company grew to be known for its commercial vehicles and eventually for classic models like the Suburban and America's favorite domestic sports car, the Corvette. Other classic Chevrolet models include the Caprice, Camaro, Chevette and Impala.

Incorporation

Chevrolet Motor Company was incorporated by Louis Chevrolet, a racecar driver, Edwin Cambell, and William Little in 1911.The first Chevrolet produced was the Baby Grand, which sold for $875. In 1918, Chevrolet was bought by General Motors. Its first hit was the 1925 "Superior"model, which sold for $650. The "Superior" put Chevrolet above Ford for sales for the first time in history.

Innovation

During the 1920s and 1930s Chevy understood that it needed to innovate to top Ford. New car models had several key selling points, including V-Grilles, hydraulic brakes, large engines, column shifts and convertibles. Chevy introduced a station wagon in 1939 and a convertible with a power roof soon after. Americans came to see Chevrolet automobiles as reliable, yet also stylish and incorporating the latest technologies. This innovation soon made Chevrolet the star company in the General Motors corporation.

"Cast-Iron Wonder"

Chevrolet introduced a six-cylinder engine in 1929 that was designed for commercial vehicles. The engine was nicknamed "the cast iron wonder" for its amazing durability. Chevy sold more than a million cars with the new engine for $595 each.

Suburban, Corvette

The Suburban, one of Chevrolet's longest-lasting series, was introduced in 1935. It was rugged and seated eight. The Suburban remains one of Chevrolet's best-selling vehicles today.
The Corvette sports car was first produced in 1953 with a V-6 and fiberglass body. The Corvette became an instant classic, and the name is still synonymous today with an affordable but high-performance sports car.

SUVs and Hybrids

Chevrolet, under General Motors is still one of the largest car companies in the world. It recently announced new eco-friendly and fuel-efficient models including the Chevy Volt, to be produced in 2010. These new models are in response to lagging sales of traditional Chevy trucks and SUVs, which are no derided for this poor fuel-economy in the face of rising gas prices.

Resources

• Chevrolet Homepage