How Did Dodge Get Its Name?

The Dodge automobile, now owned by Chrysler LLC, is named for John Dodge and his younger brother, Horace, founders of the Dodge Brothers Company in Detroit, Michigan. The brothers formed the company in 1900 to build precision-engineered engines and chassis parts for the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, later Oldsmobile, and the Ford Motor Company. The Dodge brothers built their first automobile in 1914. Chrysler purchased the company in 1928.

Ford Relationship

The brothers worked as a subcontractor for the Ford Motor Company for 10 years before growing frustrated that they did not produce their own car.

On Their Own

In 1913, the Dodge brothers stopped building Ford components and formed the Dodge Brothers Motor Company, with their first car rolling off the assembly line in 1914.

First Car

Learning from Ford's weaknesses, the Dodge brothers built the Model 30, a four-cylinder tourer with a 12-volt electrical system, all-steel body and sliding-gear transmission, which was all new technology.

Second Place

Just two years after its inception, Dodge was the second best-selling car in North America after Ford.

World War I

The brothers began producing a fleet of light-duty trucks for the U.S. military to be shipped to France during World War I, boosting their reputation for building durable vehicles.

Deaths

The brothers contracted influenza and pneumonia at the New York Auto Show in 1920, with John dying in January and Horace in December of that year.

Resources

• The Dodge Brothers