Automotive Recyclers Association - Archive

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Dodge Cars

Indeed, it is no surprise that Dodge has survived the Chrysler restructure. Who could forget classics like the Challenger, the Viper, and Ram Pickup? And while the Viper was scheduled to die at the end of 2009, Chrysler recently issued a press release saying that the V-10 sports car will live on. This is certainly good news for Dodge fans. Additionally, the 2009 Dodge Ram was awarded "Truck of the Year" by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association and "Best New Pickup" by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. The Dodge Challenger followed suit as "Car of the Year".

Another car manufacturer with an incredibly long history, Dodge began in 1900 as the Dodge Brothers Company, supplying parts to the burgeoning automotive industry. Horace and John Dodge, known for their bicycle ball bearing invention, wanted a car proudly displaying their own name, however, since their expertise was being bought by Oldsmobile and capitalized by Ford. Consequently, in November 1914, they launched the Dodge Model 30, a unique vehicle in its time because its frame was entirely steel as opposed to the standard wood panels of the era.

Significant Facts in Dodge's History

1902 - Ford approaches the Dodge Brothers and contracts them to produce chassis for his new car company. At one point when he was not able to make payment for the parts, he offered the brothers ten percent in Ford Motor Company. John Dodge actually worked as Vice President and the brothers supplied parts for ten years. When they sold their shares back to Ford in 1919, they received twenty-five million dollars.

1913 - In direct competition to Ford, a new company is formed called Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company. Since Dodge is already well-known and respected from their association with Ford, in fact some saying that the Dodge Brothers made Ford what it was, orders for vehicles immediately fly in to the company and by 1917, it is the fourth largest American car maker.

1920 - Sadly both brothers die of complications from influenza contracted while attending a car show in New York. Their widows take control of the company and name the Dodge Main plant manager as the head of the company. During his tenure, Dodge acquires Graham Brothers, the company who built trucks and thus, Dodge Truck is born.

1925 - Dodge is purchased by Dillon, Read Co., an American banking firm. This sale by the Dodge family was particularly noteworthy, as the proceeds were the largest cash deal of its kind in history at that time. The final selling figure was one-hundred and forty-six million dollars.

1928 - Sold to Walter Chrysler. Although Chrysler has changed ownership more than once, and the present day company is much different, Dodge has remained a brand within the Chrysler organization.

1968 - Dodge redevelops the Charger (was previously launched and did not see much success), releasing a much better looking vehicle which becomes a legend, partly due to the famous car chase scene in the Steve McQueen movie Bullit and of course, the General Lee in the Dukes of Hazzard. In fact, most people would not even know that an earlier version of the car existed.

1970s - Dodge has a long and continued history with the sport of racing. Since Dodge was the performance division of Chrysler, the brand has been involved in car racing, achieving prestigious wins and famous second and third places. Even today, Dodge race cars are still quite prominent.

1970s through 1980s - Company is known for its development of "muscle cars".

1983 - Dodge makes automotive history when it releases the 1984 “Caravan”, a vehicle capable of seating seven people and with room enough to carry cargo as well. More efficient than station wagons (and most probably the cause of their demise), the car became hugely popular for families and created the minivan automotive niche. Today the minivan is a necessity for anyone with children and pets.

2009 - To celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 25th Anniversary Edition was released.

Dodge Models and Years Announced:

• 1914 Model 30
• 1924 Touring Car
• 1928 Victory Six Roadster
• 1945 Power Wagon 4-wheel Drive Pickup
• 1953 Frank Motor Home (joint venture)
• 1964 Charger
• 1968 Super Bee
• 1969 Camper and Mobile Home Models
• 1969 Daytona
• 1970 Challenger R/T
• 1970 Colt
• 1978 Magnum
• 1978 Omni
• 1981 Ram Pickup
• 1981 Aries Coupe
• 1981 Ram Crew Cab
• 1983 Caravan
• 1987 Dakota Pickup
• 1988 Dynasty
• 1989 Viper
• 1994 Neon
• 1995 Stratus
• 1998 Durango
• 2003 Sprinter (commercial vehicle)
• 2005 Caliber
• 2007 Journey
• 2007 Nitro
• 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 25th Anniversary Edition
• 2009 Circuit EV