Dodge's history is linked to American brothers John and Horace Dodge. Born in Niles, Michigan, in 1864, their interest in mechanics and engineering laid the foundation for their tremendous success. Initially, the brothers started manufacturing bicycles. In 1896, Horace patented a dirt-resistant bicycle bearing, after which the brothers partnered with Fred S. Evans to found the Evans & Dodge Bicycle Company.

 

By 1901, John and Horace sold their share in Evans & Dodge and transitioned from bicycles to automobiles, resulting in Detroit's largest machine shop. By 1902, Dodge had grown to become one of the largest suppliers in the nascent automobile industry. The following year, they began working with Henry Ford at the newly developed Ford Motor Company, eventually acquiring 10% of Ford.

 

Starting in 1914, the brothers decided to use their experience at Ford to their advantage and began automobile production. By the end of that year, they had 249 vehicles, and by 1915, Dodge was the third best-selling automaker in America.

 

Dodge gifted 150 cars to the U.S. Army in 1916. Throughout the next decade, Dodge's commercial truck became the most popular, with production reaching 60,000 units in 1918. Unfortunately, John and Horace both died in 1920, victims of the flu epidemic.

 

Despite their absence, the brand continued to grow. By 1921, Dodge was the second best-selling brand in America, with production exceeding 81,000 units that year. In the 1920s, Dodge introduced the industry's first all-steel business coupe and opened its first Canadian factory in Walkerville, Ontario. On July 30, 1928, Dodge officially became part of Chrysler Corporation. By 1935, Dodge had produced nearly 3 million cars, and in 1939, it celebrated its 25th anniversary.

 

In 1981, the first generation Dodge Ram model was created. Thirteen years later, the second generation was launched, featuring a more aggressive and aerodynamic design. The third generation (2002) added comfort, power, and high-end technology. In 2010, Ram trucks acquired their own identity, separating from Dodge.

 

The new millennium brought even greater success to the Dodge brand. In 2014, as Dodge celebrated its 100th anniversary, it achieved the status of America's fastest-growing automaker. Despite over 100 years passing since John and Horace Dodge first started car production, their legacy continues to grow and flourish.