How Did Chevrolet Get Its Name?
The Chevrolet automobile was named after Louis-Joseph Chevrolet, a Swiss native who was raised in France. Chevrolet developed a six-cylinder touring car that eventually bore his name and was sold in 1911 to the public as a rival to the Ford Model T. Chevrolet sold his interest in the Chevrolet Motor Company shortly after the its founding.
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Background
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Chevrolet worked as an apprentice in France in a bicycle repair shop before tinkering with motorcycles and cars.
The Car
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During the first decade of the 20th century he raced Buicks in Detroit and had designed his own engine for the car that eventually became the Chevrolet.
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Partnership
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He met General Motors founder Willy Durant, who had been forced out as GM chief in 1910, and was looking to regain his reputation and control of GM.
Logo
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Durant and Chevrolet came up with a "bow tie" symbol, seen on wallpaper in a Paris hotel by Durant, and is now Chevrolet's iconic logo.
Sold to GM
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The Chevrolet Motor Company was founded in 1911 and Durant eventually sold it to General Motors, which acted as an umbrella company for Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and other brands.
Sells Interest
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Chevrolet didn't agree with the direction Durant took the company and sold his interests in his namesake company to Durant, putting Chevrolet in a position of never profiting from what would become General Motors' top selling car.
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Resources
- Photo Credit General Motors
