When looking to buy a car, people often look at the brand. While it’s true that these days you’re not sure if the particular brand manufactures cars or not – such as Dodge – it is also true for Jeep. Which means: who owns Jeep? Who makes Jeep? Where is Jeep made? It just so happens that Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) own both brands. In 1928 they bought them off of Chevrolet for $170million and since then they’ve been manufacturing Jeeps alongside Dodges under their FCA umbrella. This merger happened in 2014 when Groupe PSA – formerly known as Peugeot-Citroën – took over Chrysler from Renault because things weren’t going so well due to economic troubles throughout Europe at the time; but once again those were behind us now after this acquisition!
FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) is an Italian-American multinational corporation that owns many well known American automotive brands including Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Ram, Mopar and FIAT. One of these brands was once called Dodge but was later renamed to Ram Trucks due to the financial hardships experienced when the Great Depression hit America. The merger of so many different car brands can make it difficult for people who love cars and want to know more about them to determine which company created specific automotive models.
Who Owns Dodge? Who Makes Dodge? Where Is Dodge Made?
Dodge Brothers
It’s a long story if you want to know about the current owner of Dodge. As it turns out, John and Horace, better known as the Dodge Brothers- founded dodge in 1901. You could say that they were the original owners of this car brand.
Chrysler Bought Dodge from the Dodge Brothers
In 1928, Chrysler purchased the Dodge car manufacturing company. Several decades later, in 2014, Fiat – an Italian automobile manufacturer – acquired both companies after acquiring the majority of shares that were previously owned by Cerberus Capital Management.
Fiat Chrysler Merged with the PSA Group
Later on, Fiat Chrysler merged with the PSA Group, which is a French company. The whole merge was actually finalized by Stellantis NV. They’re a multinational car manufacturing corporation established in 2021. It’s basically a 50-50 cross-border merger between the PSA Group from France and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles – an Italian and American conglomerate.
Belongs to Famous Car Brands Under the Supervision of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
The Dodge brand belongs to several famous car brands, including Alfa Romeo and FIAT. These other brands are also under the supervision of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
- Alfa Romeo,
- FIAT,
- Jeep,
- RAM, and
- Chrysler.
These brands are able to work together because they are able to share proprietary technology, cutting edge features and an understanding of what the customer wants.
Manufactured in the U.S.
Chrysler still manufactures Dodge cars in the US, especially Auburn Hills, Michigan. As such, they are considered a division of American car manufacturers though they ultimately belong to Stellantis- an international car manufacturer.
Who Makes Dodge?
Understanding why people are asking the question Who makes Dodge cars today? might be hard to answer. After all, these days brands don’t make cars – they just own them. In this day and age of globalized auto manufacturing, a parent company no longer means that company actually makes the car either.
FCA US Makes Vehicles That Carry the Dodge Brand
So, the direct answer to ‘who makes Dodge?’ is FCA US. Fiat Chrysler US (FCAU) produces cars that are under the Dodge brand name but they are only one of many different manufacturers within Stellantis which has two French and American divisions under its banner company.
Stellantis Owns the Dodge Brand
Ultimately, Stellantis owns the Dodge brand; however, FCA US manufactures all Dodge vehicles. FCA US is responsible for manufacturing every model of a vehicle under the Dodge brand name and does so in America.
Dodge Primarily Manufactures Muscle Cars
dodge has always been best known for its muscle cars. They still produce and prioritize the Dodge Challenger and Charger models to this day. However, back in 2009, they were forced to separate from ram due to financial struggles; an event which led both brands down their own paths.
Fiat Makes the Decisions That Affects the Dodge Vehicle Brands
The entity in charge of making all major decisions that effect all of the Dodge vehicle brands is Fiat since it is ultimately this Italian company which also owns Chrysler. This means that while there are many people who work at Chrysler and based out of America – including the CEO Sergio Marchionne – he and his team are ultimately accountable to an office located in Italy where they will receive instructions from Fiat’s board members.
Chrysler Manufactures Dodge Vehicles
The truth is, Fiat does own Chrysler but they are not the ones manufacturing Dodge vehicles. In fact, it is Chrysler themselves who manufacture their cars. But here’s where things get complicated – because Fiat gets to make decisions about what changes or improvements happen to Dodge vehicles.
Is There A Difference Between Dodge and Chrysler?
Dodge Vehicles Focus More on Performance
The dividing line between Dodge and Chrysler is quite thin; they share much of the same DNA, after all. When considering both brands individually but finding yourself unable to decide which one will suit you best, remember that these two automakers have different focuses. Dodge cars are focused primarily on performance, whereas Chrysler models are designed with families in mind.
Dodge and Chrysler Are Two Distinct Brands
There is an erroneous perception among some consumers that Dodge and Chrysler are just different names for the same cars. This could not be further from the truth, however; there are a multitude of subtle differences between these two automotive brands. Once upon a time, some people may have considered RAM to be one in the same with Dodge – but those days were long gone when Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles was created. The company split up the brands under its management so they would stand out rather than share too many similarities.
Lineup of Dodge Vehicles
Through years of hard work and remaining true to their legacy, Dodges never lost sight of what they were originally made for – American Muscle Cars. Their current lineup includes only high-performance models that emphasize power and innovation over outdated technologies.
Here’s the Dodge lineup available in the market today:
1. Dodge Challenger
This car has become an icon of American Muscle Cars – it still provides wicked levels of power and performance to those courageous enough to take it on, all while coming in at a very affordable price.
2. Dodge Durango
With its incredible performance yet spacious cabin, the Durango is a perfect fit for those who want a muscle car that can take them from one place to another with ease.
3. Dodge Charger
If you are looking for an everyday sedan, this Dodge Charger is just what you need. It features a powerful 3.7 liter engine which provides muscle power on highways or has the option of upgrading to the HEMI engine for additional power when needed.
4. Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge has created an exclusive minivan for those who are looking for vehicles with up-to-date safety features. This family van comes equipped with a safe interior and provides superior comfort when on the road or sitting inside of it.
5. Dodge Journey
This is a Dodge vehicle designed for people looking for an SUV without compromising quality or safety. With the best modern technologies and cabin available, this vehicle was made to handle families with ease. And who owns Dodge? It’s owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which also owns many other brands under its umbrella. The company merged with the PSA Group – France’s leading automaker – after they found themselves successful in Europe.
Lineup of Chrysler Vehicles
As it has already been mentioned, Chrysler’s goal is to provide cars for families. It does so through its large vans and reliable sedans. These are some of the models offered by this car company:
1. Chrysler Pacifica
This is a luxurious minivan that stands out among its competitors. Slightly higher than the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Voyager, this vehicle has been renamed as the Chrysler Grand Caravan in Canada.
2. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
This minivan got the seal of approval from reputable car critics, who praised its environmentally-friendly mix of an electric and gas engine. The inside is spacious enough for all the kids’ stuff, with cutting-edge technology that lets you control it easily and comfortable seats for every size person. Not only does this vehicle come with a turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain – it’s also one of the safest family vans on the market!
3. Chrysler 300
Chrysler 3000, an extravagant and powerful luxury sedan, can take you from Point A to Point B quickly with the class-leading horsepower and torque of its engine. Not only does it come equipped with ample trunk space for storing all your belongings; but also features performance capabilities that will never disappoint you.
A Brief History of Dodge
To understand what Dodge has been up against these past few years, we need to take a look back at its history. See how far your SUV or pickup truck traveled before it was finally delivered right in front of you.
John and Horace Dodge Imitated Henry Ford
One hundred and twenty-two years ago, two brothers-John and Horace Dodge – had the idea to create a four wheeled vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. With this invention, they wanted to replicate what Henry Ford had done with his Model T only instead of horse power it would use gasoline or diesel fuel. This was in 1901, but only one year after the turn of the 20th century; this event happened right on time for us modern people who need transportation now!
Dodge Brothers Company
John and Horace called their car-making company the Dodge Brothers Company. Today, it has long gone from its original form – now it’s just an automobile manufacturer under the control of other brands such as Ford. What people don’t know though is that despite all this, the Dodge name still endures. The brothers initially made cars for themselves in their machine shop in Detroit. But then one day they went out of business when Henry Ford bought them up and started using his manufacturing process which became a huge success among consumers since that time – because everyone wanted to own one of those nifty new Fords!
Dodge Brothers Started Building Vehicles
In 1914, unsatisfied with just being car assemblers and parts suppliers, the Dodge brothers decided to start making their own vehicles. They pre-dated Chrysler Corporation who first started building cars in January 1924 – ten years after them.
First Car Factory in Michigan
The brothers’ first car factory was in Hamtramck, Michigan which is where they were making Dodges. By January 1980 the plant had ceased production because of a pandemic that hit America called the Spanish flu. There are many aspects surrounding this event, one being how it caused major setbacks for the Dodge Brothers Company. Another story comes from when both John and Horace died of pneumonia that could’ve come from either illness – The two passing away in 1920 just months apart from one another due to death by no other than influenza!
Sold the Controlling Interest in 1925
Perhaps the company faltered after its key players left – which was why it eventually agreed to sell its controlling stake in 1925 to Dillon, Read & Co. The new owners just barely had time to grow accustomed to their new state of affairs before they were forced to sell again two years later, this time in 1928. To make matters worse for them, however, the buyer ended up being none other than Chrysler Corporation – an all too familiar name today.
Merged with Daimler-Benz AG of Germany
For a while the Dodge car company changes owners, mainly in those years between 1998 and 2009. In that time period there was a merger with the German company Daimler-Benz AG which lasted until 2007. This year they were taken over by Cerberus Capital Management.
Fiat-Chrysler Merger
In 2009, the US government bailed out an automobile company. Consequently, it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and later merged with Fiat. Now, as part of this merger, Dodge cars are also made by Chrysler; ergo, Dodge vehicles are also manufactured by Fiat-Chrysler.
Dodge’s Two Sub-brands
Dodge has two sub-brands:
- Viper, and
- Ram.
In 2011, both the Ram and the Viper sub-brands separated from Dodge Corporation. Ram became a separate company while continuing its production of trucks, whereas the Viper was moved over to SRT for distribution as sports cars.
Chrysler Group Became the FCA US LLC
In December 2014, the Chrysler Group was absorbed into Fiat S.P.A., turning it into what we now know as FCA US LLC.
Merger Between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group
Later on, another merger was formed between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group – a Dutch company known as Stellantis. This merger turned out to be advantageous for both companies; it made Stellantis the second-largest carmaker in Europe (right behind Volkswagen) while also securing Fiat Chrysler’s spot at number three.
Where Are Dodge Cars Being Made?
Currently, Dodge vehicles are being manufactured by FCA at its Auburn Hills, Michigan, US car plant. The Dodge Viper is manufactured at the Conner Assembly Plant in Detroit, while the Dodge Caliber is made in Belvidere, Illinois. With all of these facilities across America – it’s clear there is no other company or country that can match up with the numbers of cars we’re manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other makes does Stellantis own?
The merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) with the Peugeot Société Anonyme (PSA) in 2021 led to a total of 16 automobile manufacturers being created as part of Stellantis. This includes such American automotive companies like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram; as well as Italian luxury brands such as Maserati and Alfa Romeo.
Who owns Dodge?
After Fiat Chrysler Automobile merged with the Peugeot Société Anonyme Group in 2021, Dodge became a subsidiary of the multinational automobile company known as Stellantis.
Who Will Make Future Dodge Vehicles?
Dodge will continue to produce vehicles for the foreseeable future. You won’t see a Fiat-manufactured factory in Michigan pop up and start producing Challengers anytime soon. Dodge is still an American staple, which will remain so – because it belongs here.
So, What Exactly Is Stellantis?
In 2021, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles [abbreviated] merged with a French multinational automotive manufacturing company known as the PSA Group.
Conclusion
Dodge cars are owned by Fiat-Chrysler, which owns the PSA Group (the company behind Opel/Vauxhall and Citroen) which now forms part of Stellatis. It may sound confusing at first glance but this car brand has been through a lot of owners in its day without missing a beat. Although Dodge does share some brands with others – such as Lincoln which is owned by Toyota; Acura which is under Honda – it was never really an issue until now.
One bad thing about this might be that this name change could cause problems down the line when parts need to be replaced or even people can’t remember what they’re driving anymore. Nonetheless, there’s only so much that can go wrong since Ram is still under the Dodge brand while they’ll keep coming out with new versions of Challenger and Charger models soon enough.
