Dodge practically patented the muscle car. Little did they know they would become one of America's top Automobile manufacturers and that the Charger model, for example, particularly the 66-67 one, would trigger jaw dropping amazement at its sight. John Francis and Horace Elgin Dodge were making bikes in 1901 when they decided to move their company, the Dodge Brothers Bicycle & Machine Factory to Detroit, Michigan.
Before Cadillac would outrun Dodge in engine development years later, the Brothers were supplying car parts for many producers. Their early involvement in the process of making cars lead them to starting their own business, entering the queue for a large order of recognition and notoriety. Setting the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company in 1914 brought them a step closer to the counter.
The first Dodge automobiles shared some of Ford Model T's features but outran the latter in terms of ignition and other improvements meant to ease driving. One of the major advantages Dodge offered was a smooth, electrical start rather than the sluggishly classic crank start. Built for the middle class, the cars quickly became a commercial success, mainly due the clever blend of reliable ruggedness, engine improvements and style elements.
Dodge is currently part of the DaimlerChrysler group and has been lately been know for its trucks rather than retro-future stylized muscle cars as it used to be know for during the 60's and 70's. Much like any other American car builder, Dodge garnered huge amounts of success at the time with the launch of the Charger and Coronet models, to name only a few.
As far as the company's current status is concerned, trucks make the most sales, representing 78% of the division's venue. Still undergoing intensive promotion in Europe, Dodge have sought to reach the same type of customer it did back in the 70's by launching a series of mean-looking, rowdy road-tamers such as the Nitro and Caliber. |
