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On May 17th, 1864 the eldest of the dodge brothers, John Dodge was born
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Four years after John was born his younger brother Horace was born
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The idea of fast cars wasn’t on the Dodge brothers’ radar in their younger years. During 1896 Horace was applying for patents for a dirt resistant bicycle bearing. In 1897, production for the Evans & Dodge Bicycle Company began. -
The Dodge brothers started what would be the largest machine shop in detroit. Shortly after that they pivoted to supplying engines, axels, and transmitions to major customers like Northern and Oldsmobile. This was a market pulled idea. -
A new partnershp emerged in 1903 with newcomer automobile industry, Ford Motor Company
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The brothers decided that they need to part ways with Ford and introduce their own vehicle. The first Dodge automobile was created on an all steel body. By the end of that year 249 Dodge vehicles were built. -
By 1915, Dodge ranked third among America’s best-selling automakers. Known for “dependability,” Dodge also offered a “winter car” with a removable hardtop and snap-on side glass.
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The brothers produced commercial, civilian and military trucks, along with a 1,155mm (about 3.79 ft) gun recoil system for the Allied armies during WWI. -
In 1919, Dodge built its 400,000th vehicle, producing a yearly total of more than 100,000 units, all while introducing the brand’s first four-door sedan. -
During the 1920s, the Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company opened its first Canadian plant, surpassed 200,000 vehicles made in a calendar year, produced its 1 millionth Dodge automobile and was acquired by the Chrysler Corporation.
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By 1930, Dodge began production of its first eight-cylinder engine and offered its first factory car radio. The company surpassed 3 million vehicles built and introduced 25th anniversary models with new fastback styling. -
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By 1946, Dodge was back to mking vehicles and they produced their 5 millionth vehicle
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Dodge had launched its first hardtop coupe, the Diplomat, and it was the first time a Dodge vehicle entered a NASCAR race. -
The Dodge Challenger made its debut in 1970 and paced the Indianapolis 500-mile race. -
In the 1990s, the Dodge lineup consisted of several familiar nameplates, including the Dodge Shadow, Daytona, Intrepid, Caravan and Grand Caravan. Rounding out the decade, Dodge introduced the Power Wagon and Charger concepts and celebrated 15 years of the minivan.
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As part of one of the largest product renaissances, Dodge introduced six all-new or completely redesigned vehicles from 2010 to 2011, including the all-new Durango, Charger, Challenger, Avenger, Grand Caravan and Journey. -
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