Brand Heritage – 1900-1909

1901          

Dodge

John (1864-1920) and Horace (1868-1920) found a machine shop after selling out of Evans and Dodge Bicycle business. They soon supplied engines to Olds, in 1903 become 10% owners of new Ford Motor company in return for supplying engines and transmissions. In 1913, afraid that Ford will become self sufficient, they give Ford a year’s notice of withdrawal from their contract, and announce a car of their own. In 1919 Ford buys their original worth of stock for 5M.

1902

Nash 

Thomas Jeffery sells the first Rambler.

1903

Maxwell and Chalmers      

Maxwell Briscoe was founded by Benjamin Briscoe (1869-1945) and Jonathan Maxwell (1864-1928). E. R. Thomas (1850-1936) founds Thomas in Buffalo, NY.

1903

Willys

Overland founded.

1904

Maxwell and Chalmers

Stoddard Dayton founded; Thomas is now Thomas Flyer; Alden Sampson founded to make cars.

1905

Maxwell and Chalmers

Alden Sampson switches to trucks.

1906

Maxwell and Chalmers

Thomas Detroit offshoot is begun by Roy D. Chapin (1880-1936) and Howard Coffin, both later to found Hudson.

1907 

Maxwell and Chalmers

Frank Briscoe (brother of Benjamin)(1875-1954) and Alanson P. Brush found Brush to build the wood framed Brush Runabout. 

1908 

Maxwell and Chalmers

A Thomas Flyer wins the New York to Paris race; Thomas Detroit discontinued in favor of Chalmers Detroit; Hugh Chambers (1873-1932). 

1908

Dodge

Chapter One — Walter P. Chrysler (pdf)

1909 

Maxwell and Chalmers

Electric Vehicle Company (which has always made gas and electric cars) change their name to Columbia; Alden Sampson sold to United Motors.

1909 

Willys

Company renamed Willys-Overland (John North Willys 1873-1935). W-O acquires Pope Toledo. 

1909 

Hudson

First Hudson—Model 20—introduced. 


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Walter P. Chrysler Museum

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Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2778 USA
Phone: 248.944.0432 | Fax: 248.944.0460
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