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Fresno Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

The History of the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM Brands

Learn About The History of Our Brands.

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM are household names in the US automotive industry. They are known for producing some of the most trusted and reliable vehicles in the market, consistently holding top spots in their categories. Each brand has a unique and exciting story, from Dodge’s humble beginnings to Jeep’s heroic past. Join us as our team at Fresno Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT takes you on a journey through the history of these automakers, stretching back to the 20th century.

Chrysler

The American luxury brand Chrysler was founded by Walter P. Chrysler on June 6, 1925. The US businessman and engineer bought an already-existing Maxwell Motor Corporation and transformed it into the Chrysler Corporation, with the head office located in Michigan. The first car with the Chrysler name was produced in 1924, a year before the company was officially formed. This vehicle was an instant hit in the market since it offered modern innovations that were unavailable in many models at that time. In 1928, Chrysler decided to classify its vehicles by their function and price, creating the Plymouth brand for budget vehicles and the DeSoto brand for mid-price models. Later that same year, Chrysler merged with the Dodge Brothers company, acquiring their factories, trucks, and dealerships.

 

A Chrysler Pacifica near Merced, CA.

A 1960 Dodge Dart parked near Merced, CA.

Dodge

The Dodge brothers’ company started as a mechanic shop in 1900 in Detroit, MI. The founders, Horace and John Dodge, were brothers working as engineers for the Ford Motor Company. In 1914, they produced their first car, the Dodge Model 30. As the world’s first vehicle with an all-steel body, this car became very popular among consumers, with over 45,000 units sold in the first year. Following the deaths of the Dodge brothers in 1920, the company was sold to the investment firm Dillon, Read & Co., which later sold it to Chrysler in 1928.

Jeep

The story of the Jeep brand began in 1941 when Willys-Overland Motor Company started producing vehicles for the US military. The first model was Willys MB, a rugged vehicle used by the American army during World War II. After the war, the civilian versions were introduced, and they quickly became popular due to their versatility and off-road capabilities. In 1953, the company was bought by Kaiser Motors, who later sold it to the American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1970. The Jeep brand became a part of Chrysler when the AMC sold to Chrysler in 1987.

A Jeep near Merced, CA.

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RAM Trucks near Merced, CA.

RAM

The RAM brand started as a division of the Dodge Brothers Company in 1981. The automaker created it to give their rugged trucks a distinct identity. In 2009, RAM separated from Dodge to form its line of trucks. Today, RAM has become one of the most popular pickup brands in the automotive market.

Explore Our Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM Models Today.

Stop by Fresno Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT near Merced, CA, to check out our vehicles for sale and schedule a test drive. Our inventory includes popular models like the Dodge Durango, the RAM 1500, the Chrysler Pacifica, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Have you been searching for a “Chrysler dealer or Jeep Grand Cherokee dealer? Or are you looking for a “Dodge or RAM Truck dealership near me?” You have come to the right place. We also have a well-equipped Jeep and RAM service center staffed with qualified technicians who handle maintenance or repair tasks. Contact us or drive in today to schedule a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM service appointment.

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Customer may not qualify for ALL Rebates shown. Some rebates are stackable and others can and cannot be combined. See Dealer For Complete Details.