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Chrysler

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FCA US, LLC
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryAutomotive
FoundedJune 6, 1925; 101 years ago (1925-06-06)
FounderWalter Chrysler
Headquarters
Auburn Hills, Michigan
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Sergio Marchionne (former CEO)
ProductsAutomobiles, automotive parts
ParentStellantis

FCA US, LLC, known commercially as Stellantis North America and formerly recognized as Chrysler, represents a prominent American division of the global automotive giant Stellantis, with its headquarters situated in Auburn Hills, Michigan. As a key member of the U.S. "Big Three" automakers, Stellantis North America sells vehicles worldwide under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram Trucks nameplates. The company also oversees the Mopar parts business and the performance-oriented SRT brand, while handling distribution for Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Maserati within the North American market.

Established in 1925 by industrialist Walter Chrysler from the assets of the former Maxwell Motor Company, the firm grew through strategic acquisitions such as Dodge Brothers and introduced brands including Plymouth and DeSoto to broaden its market scope. Following World War II, Chrysler confronted significant challenges, prompting it to obtain a $250 million expansion loan from Prudential Insurance in 1954 aimed at modernizing product lines and enhancing manufacturing efficiency amid increasing competition.

In the 1960s, Chrysler extended its reach into Europe by acquiring automotive manufacturers in France, the United Kingdom, and Spain; however, it divested Chrysler Europe to PSA Peugeot Citroën in 1978. Confronted with mounting import competition and regulatory demands during the 1970s, Chrysler partnered technically with Mitsubishi Motors, rebadging Mitsubishi models for sale in North America. Facing near insolvency in the late 1970s, it secured $1.5 billion in loan guarantees from the U.S. government. Under CEO Lee Iacocca’s guidance throughout the 1980s, Chrysler returned to profitability and expanded further by acquiring American Motors Corporation in 1987—thereby adding Jeep and Eagle brands to its portfolio.

The 1998 merger with German automaker Daimler-Benz resulted in DaimlerChrysler AG but encountered difficulties that led Daimler to sell Chrysler to Cerberus Capital Management in 2007. During the automotive crisis between 2008 and 2010, Chrysler underwent Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April 2009. Backed by U.S. government bailout assistance through the Troubled Asset Relief Program, Chrysler reemerged with ownership shared among Fiat S.p.A., United Auto Workers pension funds, and governmental stakeholders. By early 2014, Fiat completed its full acquisition of Chrysler, incorporating it into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), with Chrysler Group LLC being renamed FCA US LLC later that year.

Following FCA’s merger with PSA Group in 2021, FCA US became part of Stellantis, strengthening its global presence and influence across various automotive sectors. The company continues to capitalize on its diverse brand lineup and strategic alliances to foster growth and sustain competitive positioning within a changing industry landscape.

1925–1998: Chrysler Corporation

Walter Chrysler founded the Chrysler Corporation on June 6, 1925, emerging from a reorganization of Maxwell Motor Company operations. Initially based in Highland Park, Michigan, the firm relocated its headquarters to Auburn Hills in 1996. Walter Chrysler’s overhaul of Maxwell and Chalmers businesses led to the release of the Chrysler Six in 1924—a well-engineered yet affordable automobile featuring innovations such as four-wheel hydraulic brakes and rubber engine mounts known as "Floating Power." These technological advancements propelled Chrysler to become second in U.S. vehicle sales by 1936.

In 1928, Chrysler broadened its product range by launching Plymouth as an entry-level brand alongside DeSoto targeting mid-range buyers. That same year saw Chrysler acquire Dodge, further expanding its automobile and truck offerings. By the mid-1930s, Dodge and DeSoto shifted positions within the corporate structure.

The Imperial marque began as a premium model under Chrysler since 1926 but was established as a standalone luxury brand in 1955 to compete directly with Lincoln and Cadillac. This move increased Chrysler’s brand count to five: Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler, and Imperial.

Chrysler was at the forefront of automotive innovation with achievements including producing the world’s first all-transistor car radio in 1955 (in partnership with Philco) and introducing electronic fuel injection (EFI) on select models in 1958—although initial EFI systems suffered from reliability problems limiting widespread use.

The Plymouth Valiant was introduced as an independent brand in 1960 before being integrated into Plymouth’s lineup domestically. DeSoto ceased production in 1961. Throughout this period, Chrysler’s product range spanned from entry-level Valiant and Plymouth vehicles up to luxury Imperials.

During the 1950s and early ’60s, Chrysler supplied Hemi V8 engines to French luxury car maker Facel Vega, enhancing its international footprint. By 1960, Chrysler led U.S. automakers by adopting unibody construction for all passenger cars except Imperial models—which transitioned to unibody design by 1967.

From 1963 through 1969, Chrysler consolidated ownership of European manufacturers Simca (France), Rootes Group (UK), and Barreiros (Spain), creating what became known as Chrysler Europe. In addition, during the 1970s it established an engineering collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors that resulted in rebadged Mitsubishi vehicles sold under Dodge and Plymouth badges across North America.

The oil embargo of 1973 along with evolving consumer preferences exposed weaknesses within Chrysler’s lineup; limited compact car offerings combined with stricter regulations strained finances. The Imperial brand was discontinued after model year 1975 due to falling sales figures. Quality concerns arose with replacement models such as Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare.

Lee Iacocca assumed CEO duties in 1978 to lead recovery efforts amidst financial turmoil. To avert collapse, Chrysler secured $1.5 billion in federal loan guarantees under the Loan Guarantee Act of 1979 while negotiating approximately $2 billion worth of concessions including wage cuts and asset divestitures from multiple stakeholders. Concurrently, it sold its European operations to PSA Peugeot Citroën for $1—shedding significant losses.

By 1980, restructuring measures including plant closures helped restore profitability. The introduction of K-platform cars like Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries during 1981 marked a strategic shift toward compact vehicle efficiency. The debut of Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager minivans in 1983 created a new market segment that stabilized revenue streams.

In pursuit of global expansion, Chrysler formed Diamond-Star Motors—a joint venture with Mitsubishi—in 1985.

A major acquisition occurred when Chrysler purchased American Motors Corporation (AMC) by August 1987 for roughly $1.7–$2 billion; this deal brought Jeep into its portfolio along with AMC’s engineering expertise—key assets for future growth. The company established Jeep/Eagle divisions targeting specialized markets distinct from K-car platforms.

Additionally, Eurostar Automobilwerk—a partnership with Steyr-Daimler-Puch—began manufacturing Chrysler Voyager minivans for European customers starting in 1992.

1998–2007: DaimlerChrysler Era

In 1998, Chrysler combined forces with Germany's Daimler-Benz AG in what was promoted as a "merger of equals," creating DaimlerChrysler AG. Despite initial expectations, Daimler effectively took control of Chrysler through a stock swap transaction shortly before Chrysler CEO Bob Eaton retired. During the DaimlerChrysler period, U.S. operations were marketed under the "DCX" name, and the Eagle brand was discontinued shortly thereafter. Jeep was established as an independent division, with initiatives aimed at merging Chrysler and Jeep sales channels. The Plymouth marque was phased out in 2001.

Between 2001 and 2002, Eurostar manufactured the Chrysler PT Cruiser before the Austrian facility was sold to Magna International, which rebranded it as Magna Steyr. Production of the Voyager continued until 2007, while models such as the Chrysler 300C, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Jeep Commander were assembled there until 2010.

On May 14, 2007, DaimlerChrysler divested 80.1% of Chrysler Group to private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, renaming the company Chrysler LLC; Daimler (later renamed Daimler AG) retained a minority 19.9% interest.

2007–2014: Impact of the Great Recession

The financial crisis of 2008 heavily affected Chrysler, culminating in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on April 30, 2009, aimed at restructuring debt and maintaining operations. The U.S. government described this process as a "prepackaged surgical bankruptcy."

On June 10, 2009, Chrysler’s assets were transferred to a new entity called "New Chrysler," formed as Chrysler Group LLC and supported by $8 billion in federal loans carrying nearly 21% interest. Under CEO Sergio Marchionne, the firm adopted "World Class Manufacturing" (WCM) principles and relaunched multiple products with improved quality and luxury features. The brands Ram, Jeep, Dodge, SRT, and Chrysler were separated to reinforce distinct brand identities, accompanied by eleven significant model updates over a span of twenty-one months. Older models such as the PT Cruiser, Nitro, Liberty, and Caliber were discontinued.

By May 24, 2011, Chrysler had repaid $7.6 billion in government loans. The U.S. Treasury’s $12.5 billion investment through TARP generated $11.2 billion from share sales in May 2011, resulting in a net loss of $1.3 billion. On July 21, 2011, Fiat purchased the U.S. Treasury’s shares, returning Chrysler to foreign ownership within Fiat’s luxury division. In select European markets, the Chrysler 300 was rebadged as the Lancia Thema to revitalize Lancia’s flagship model.

2014–2021: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

On January 21, 2014, Fiat finalized acquisition of the remaining $3.65 billion stake in Chrysler held by VEBA, achieving full ownership.[1] Shortly afterward, Fiat and Chrysler merged under a new holding company named Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), introducing a consolidated global brand and corporate structure.[2] FCA’s initial significant product launch was the redesigned Chrysler 200, built on a global compact-wide platform reflecting FCA's integrated business strategy.[3]

On December 16, 2014, Chrysler Group LLC was renamed FCA US LLC to reflect alignment with its parent company’s corporate identity.[4]

In January 2017, FCA encountered major reputational challenges when the EPA accused it of installing emissions-cheating software on diesel vehicles. The company denied any misconduct; CEO Sergio Marchionne rejected these allegations outright. Despite initial stock price fluctuations and potential fines estimated up to $4 billion, investors largely minimized the impact.[5] Subsequent investigations led to FCA US pleading guilty in 2022 to conspiracy and violations of the Clean Air Act, resulting in substantial penalties.[6]

Leadership changes took place in July 2018 when Sergio Marchionne stepped down due to health reasons; John Elkann assumed chairmanship while Michael Manley became CEO—marking a strategic transition in leadership.[7]

FCA US incurred regulatory fines for failing to meet U.S. fuel economy standards in both 2016 and 2017, paying $77 million and $79 million respectively. The company characterized these penalties as immaterial to its overall financial results.[8]

In January 2019, FCA agreed to an $800 million settlement resolving diesel emissions violations related to its 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engines. This agreement included vehicle recalls; civil penalties nearing $400 million; governance reforms; consumer compensation up to $280 million; and extended warranties valued at $105 million. FCA did not admit liability while criminal investigations continued.[9]

Demonstrating adaptability and growth within evolving markets, in February 2024 Chrysler introduced the Halcyon concept—its inaugural battery-electric sedan—signaling entry into the electric vehicle sector aligned with industry sustainability trends.[10]

Corporate governance

The leadership team at Stellantis North America comprises the following key executives:

Board of directors

  • Carlos Zarlenga, Chief Operating Officer (appointed February 2024)
  • Richard Palmer, Chief Financial Officer

Management team

  • Jeffrey Kommor: Director of U.S. Sales
  • Lottie Holland: Diversity and Inclusion Leader, FCA North America
  • Bruno Cattori: President and CEO, FCA Mexico
  • Mark Champine: Quality Director, FCA North America
  • Mark Chernoby: Chief Technical Compliance Officer, Stellantis N.V.
  • Martin Horneck: Purchasing and Supply Chain Director, FCA North America
  • Mamatha Chamarthi: Chief Information Officer, FCA North America and Asia Pacific
  • Marissa Hunter: Marketing Director
  • Philip Langley: Network Development Director, FCA North America
  • Ralph Gilles: Design Director
  • Michael Resha: Manufacturing Director, FCA North America
  • Roger "Shane" Karr: External Affairs Director, FCA North America
  • Michael J. Keegan: Chief Audit, Sustainability, and Compliance Officer
  • Timothy Kuniskis: CEO of Dodge and Ram Trucks (departed May 31, 2024)
  • Christine Feuell: CEO of Chrysler
  • Jim Morisson: Jeep Brand Leader, FCA North America
  • João Laranjo: CFO, FCA North America
  • Michael Bly: Global Propulsion Systems Head, Stellantis N.V.
  • Jeffrey P. Lux: Transmission Powertrain Director, FCA North America
  • Chris Pardi: General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, FCA North America
  • Barbara J. Pilarski: Business Development Director, FCA North America
  • Carlos Zarlenga: Chief Operating Officer
  • Scott Thiele: Portfolio Planning and Global Long-Range Plan Coordination Head, FCA North America
  • Joseph Veltri: Investor Relations Leader
  • Rob Wichman: Interim Product Development Head, FCA North America
  • Larry Dominique: Senior Vice President, Alfa Romeo North America
  • Christopher G. Fields: Vice President of U.S. Employee Relations

United States sales

Among the "Big Three" American automakers—Stellantis North America, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors—Chrysler ranks as the smallest. In the year 2020, FCA US achieved sales exceeding 1.8 million vehicles.

Global sales

According to OICA data from 2012, Chrysler was positioned as the 11th largest vehicle manufacturer worldwide with an output near 2.37 million units. After becoming a fully owned subsidiary, Chrysler discontinued publishing its global sales statistics.

Lifetime powertrain warranty

Chrysler launched a lifetime powertrain warranty in 2007 for the initial registered owner or retail lessee within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. This coverage applied to selected models from 2006 through 2009 but excluded SRT variants, Diesel-powered vehicles, Sprinter models, Ram Chassis Cab units, hybrid components, and specific fleet vehicles. Following corporate restructuring, this non-transferable warranty was replaced by a transferable five-year/100,000-mile warranty for models from 2010 onward.

"Let's Refuel America"

In response to consumer worries about escalating fuel prices, Chrysler introduced the "Let's Refuel America" campaign in 2008. This program offered purchasers of new Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles a fixed gasoline rate of $2.99 per gallon for a duration of three years through a fuel card system, thereby providing enhanced value to customers during periods of fluctuating fuel costs.

Lancia co-branding

Chrysler intended to collaborate with Lancia on product development, sharing certain vehicle platforms between the two brands. Olivier Francois, then CEO of Lancia, was appointed head of the Chrysler division in October 2009, with the objective of elevating Chrysler’s market position as a premium brand.

Ram trucks

In October 2009, Dodge's vehicle lineup was divided: the "Dodge" name was assigned to cars, minivans, and crossovers, while "Ram" became dedicated exclusively to light- and medium-duty trucks and commercial vehicles.

Calendar year U.S. Chrysler sales %Chg/yr.
1999 2,638,561
2000 2,522,695 Decrease4.4%
2001 2,273,208 Decrease9.9%
2002 2,205,446 Decrease3%
2003 2,127,451 Decrease3.5%
2004 2,206,024 Increase3.7%
2005 2,304,833 Increase4.5%
2006 2,142,505 Decrease7%
2007 2,076,650 Decrease3.1%
2008 1,453,122 Decrease30%
2009 931,402 Decrease36%
2010 1,085,211 Increase17%
2011 1,369,114 Increase26%
2012 1,651,787 Increase21%
2013 1,800,368 Increase9%
2014 2,090,639 Increase16%
2015 2,243,907 Increase7%
2016 2,244,315 Increase0.0%
2017 2,059,376 Decrease0.8%
2018 2,235,204 Increase8.5%
2019 2,203,663 Decrease1.4%
2020 1,820,636 Decrease17.4%
2021 1,777,394 Decrease2.4%
2022 1,547,076 Decrease13.0%
2023 1,527,090 Decrease1.3%

"Imported From Detroit"

In 2011, Chrysler unveiled the "Imported From Detroit" campaign featuring Detroit-based rapper Eminem, including a commercial aired during the Super Bowl. This marketing effort highlighted Chrysler’s renewed product range with redesigned models such as the Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible variants, Chrysler 300 sedan, and Town & Country minivan. As part of this campaign’s outreach activities, Chrysler offered branded apparel showcasing the Monument to Joe Louis; proceeds from these sales were directed toward Detroit-area nonprofits including Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Michigan and Habitat for Humanity Detroit.

In March of that year, Chrysler initiated legal action against Moda Group LLC (owner of Pure Detroit) over their use of the "Imported From Detroit" phrase on merchandise alleging trademark infringement. A U.S. District Court judge ruled that Chrysler had not proven irreparable harm nor a strong chance of success since the phrase was not federally registered as a trademark by Chrysler. As a result, Pure Detroit continued its merchandise sales. The parties entered mediation in March 2012 and later reached a confidential settlement. Pure Detroit also disputed Chrysler’s assertions regarding where vehicles were manufactured and where merchandise originated.

Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly facility in Detroit remains the sole complete automobile manufacturing plant located fully within the city limits; it produces Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models. This plant is a vital component of Chrysler’s global manufacturing network and reflects its ongoing dedication to Detroit’s industrial sector.

Additionally in 2011, Eminem resolved a copyright dispute with Audi concerning claims that an Audi A6 Avant advertisement copied elements from Chrysler’s Super Bowl commercial—underscoring the cultural significance intertwined with Chrysler’s business initiatives.

"Halftime in America"

During Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, Chrysler broadcast a two-minute advertisement titled "Halftime in America." The ad generated debate among conservative groups in the U.S., who interpreted its content as political endorsement of President Barack Obama and the government’s financial support of Chrysler. Sergio Marchionne addressed these criticisms in a 60 Minutes interview, highlighting that the company repaid its loans with an interest rate of 19.7% and characterized the Republican opposition as "unnecessary and out of place."

America's Import

In 2014, Chrysler introduced the slogan "America's Import" to market the 2015 Chrysler 200 model. This campaign aimed to challenge foreign rivals from Germany and Japan by emphasizing American manufacturing, using the phrase "We Built This" to reinforce Chrysler’s dedication to domestic production.

Slogans

  • Engineered to be Great Cars (1998–2001)
  • Drive = Love (2002–2004)
  • Inspiration comes standard (2004–2007)
  • Engineered Beautifully (2007–mid 2010)
  • Imported From Detroit (2011–2014)
  • America's Import (2014–2016)

Chrysler Uconnect

Originally launched as MyGig, Chrysler Uconnect is an interactive vehicle system that integrates radio and car controls. By mid-2015, it had been installed in hundreds of thousands of Fiat Chrysler automobiles. The system utilizes AT&T’s mobile network to provide Internet connectivity, assigning each vehicle its own IP address. Uconnect Web offers a Wi-Fi hotspot with approximately a 100-foot range, combining Wi-Fi capabilities with Sprint’s 3G cellular service. This technology is featured on various Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models both past and present, including the Dodge Dart, Chrysler 300, Jeep Cherokee, and Ram trucks.

In July 2015, a significant security vulnerability was identified in Uconnect systems manufactured between late 2013 and early 2015. This flaw allowed hackers to remotely manipulate essential vehicle functions such as steering, brakes, and transmission. In response, Chrysler issued a software update that could be downloaded via USB or installed at authorized dealerships.

Brands

The following are current and former brands under Stellantis North America:

Current

Origin Brand Estab. Added Notes
US Chrysler 1925 1925
US Dodge 1900 1928
US Jeep 1943 1987
US Mopar 1937 1937 Replacement parts for Chrysler vehicles and dealer/customer service brand, including "Mopar Performance" aftermarket parts.
US Ram 2010 2010 Previously part of Dodge's truck and van division.

Former

Origin Brand Estab. Chrysler
years 		Fate
US American Motors 1954 1987–1988 Ceased operations; succeeded by the Eagle brand
US Chrysler Amplex 1932 1932–1988 Sold to ICM Industries
US Graham Brothers 1916 1928–1929 Discontinued; truck production continued under Dodge and Fargo; passenger cars remained independent
US Chrysler Marine 1927 1927–1980 Discontinued
US DeSoto 1928 1928–1961 Merged into and replaced by Chrysler Newport
US Eagle 1988 1988–1998 Discontinued
US Fargo 1913 1913–1972 Discontinued; replaced by Plymouth Trucks in the U.S., merged into Dodge in Canada
US Global Electric Motorcars 1992 1998–2011 Sold to Polaris Industries
US Imperial 1955 1955–1983 Discontinued
US Plymouth 1928 1928–2001 Discontinued; models absorbed into Chrysler lineup
US Valiant 1959 1959–1976 Discontinued; initially a separate brand before becoming part of Plymouth
ITA Lamborghini 1963 1987–1994 Sold to Mycom / V'Power Corp.
SPA Barreiros 1954 1969–1978 Discontinued; integrated into Chrysler Europe
FRA Simca 1934 1967–1970 Discontinued; absorbed into Chrysler Europe
FRA Matra 1964 1970–1979 Joint venture; stake later sold to Peugeot
UK Humber 1887 1967–1976 Discontinued; part of Chrysler Europe
UK Commer 1905 1967–1979 Discontinued; part of Chrysler Europe
UK Karrier 1908 1967–1979 Discontinued; part of Chrysler Europe
UK Hillman 1907 1967–1976 Discontinued; part of Chrysler Europe
UK Sunbeam 1905 1967–1976 Discontinued; part of Chrysler Europe
UK Singer 1875 1967–1970 Discontinued; part of Chrysler Europe


Maxwell-Chalmers

  • Maxwell (1904–1926), United States; vehicles later rebranded as Chrysler and Plymouth
  • Chalmers (1908–1923), US luxury automobile manufacturer; merged with Maxwell in 1922

United States Motor Company

(1908–1913); underwent reorganization and was integrated into Maxwell

  • Brush Motor Car Company (1907–1913)
  • Stoddard-Dayton (1905–1913)
  • Alden-Sampson (1910–1913)
  • Columbia (1899–1910)
  • Riker Electric Vehicle Company (1897–1907)
  • Electric Vehicle Company (1899–1907)
  • Argo
  • Hackett
  • Lorraine
  • Detroit
  • Thomas-Detroit (1906–1908)
  • Sampson (1903–1913)
  • Stoddard
  • Courier Car Co (1909–1913)
  • Providence
  • Gray Marine Motor Company

Chrysler Corporation

  • Graham Brothers (1916–1929), US; acquired by Dodge Brothers Company in 1925, passenger car segment absorbed into Dodge following Chrysler takeover
  • Fargo (1913–1935 in US; 1920–1972 in Canada), manufacturer of trucks and vans; replaced by Plymouth Trucks in the US in 1937, merged into Dodge Division post-1972 in Canada

Rootes Group

(1913–1971), United Kingdom; Chrysler purchased a minority stake in 1964, gained controlling interest by 1967, rebranded as Chrysler Europe in 1971

  • Sunbeam Motor Car Company (1901–1976), UK
  • Humber Limited (1898–1976), UK
  • Singer (1905–1970), UK
  • Commer (1905–1979), UK
  • Hillman (1907–1976), UK
  • Karrier (1908–1977), UK
  • Talbot (1903–1958; 1979–1994), UK
  • Simca (1934–1977), France
  • Barreiros (1959–1978), Spain

American Motors Corporation

(1954–1988), United States; purchased by Chrysler and renamed Jeep-Eagle Division

  • AMC brand (1967–1987) US; transitioned to Eagle branding
  • Hudson Motor Car Company (1909–1957), US; incorporated brands such as Aerocar, Essex, Terraplane
  • Nash Motors (1917–1957), US; encompassed Jeffery, LaFayette, Ajax, Mitchell brands later consolidated or rebranded under Nash
  • Rambler (1900–1914; 1950–1969), US
  • Nash Metropolitan (1959–1962), US
  • AM General, US contract manufacturing division of AMC (1970–1983)

Kaiser Motors Corporation

  • Kaiser (1946–1955) US entry-level marque; renamed Willys-Kaiser Motors then Kaiser-Jeep Corporation; acquired by AMC in 1970
  • Frazer (1946–1951) US entry-level luxury brand; discontinued models merged into Kaiser lineup

Graham-Paige

(1927–1947), mid-range automobiles; acquired by Henry Kaiser and reorganized as Kaiser-Frazer Motors

  • Paige-Detroit (1908–1928)
    • Jewett (1922–1926)

Willys-Overland Motors

(1912–1963) United States-based manufacturer; purchased by Kaiser Motors, evolving into Kaiser Jeep, then AMC in 1970

  • Willys Motor Company (1908–1955) US; exited domestic market in 1955, name later used for Jeep Wrangler trim levels
    • Overland Automobile (1903–1926) US; acquired by Willys in 1912, subsequently used for Jeep Wrangler trims
    • Russell Motor Car Company (1904–1916) Canada
    • Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company (1917–1920) US; sold and merged with Wright Aeronautical
    • Stearns-Knight (1898–1929) US; acquired by Willys in 1925

Environmental initiatives

Chrysler's initial ventures into electric vehicles began with the 1979 ETV-1, an experimental battery-powered car, followed by the 1992 Dodge EPIC concept minivan. In 1993, the company manufactured a limited batch of 56 TEVan electric minivans primarily intended for utility companies. A subsequent version of the EPIC was introduced in 1997 but was phased out by 1999.

The automaker once owned Global Electric Motorcars, a manufacturer specializing in low-speed neighborhood electric vehicles, which it sold to Polaris Industries in 2011. In 2007, Chrysler created ENVI, a dedicated division for electric-drive technology development; however, this unit was dissolved by late 2009. That same year, Chrysler secured $70 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy aimed at advancing hybrid pickup trucks and minivans.

The hybrid versions of the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango were launched in 2008 but were discontinued shortly after production ceased. These models utilized hybrid technology co-developed with General Motors, Daimler, and BMW. Additionally, Chrysler took part in government-backed plug-in hybrid demonstration projects involving Ram trucks and minivans.

By 2012, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne declared a strategic pivot away from hybrid and electric drivetrains toward alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas and diesel for consumer vehicles.

Fiat Chrysler acquired 8.2 million megagrams of greenhouse gas emission credits from competitors including Toyota, Honda, Tesla, and Nissan covering model years 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014. Despite these measures, the company recorded the lowest fleet average fuel economy among major U.S. automakers from model years 2012 through 2022.

Chrysler Defense

Established in 1940 as the Chrysler Tank division, Chrysler's defense arm was created to increase production of the M2 Medium Tank for the U.S. Army. Its initial manufacturing site was the Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant. When the M2A1 tank quickly became outdated that year, production shifted to the M3 Grant tank, largely supplied to British forces supported by the U.S. prior to America’s entry into World War II. Following December 1941, the division expanded rapidly by adding new facilities such as the Tank Arsenal Proving Ground in Utica, Michigan, and diversifying its product range to include the M4 Sherman tank and Chrysler’s A57 multibank engine.

Special programs

Throughout World War II, Chrysler devoted nearly all its manufacturing capabilities to producing military vehicles. The company also engineered powerful V12 and V16 hemi-engines for aircraft applications; however, these were eventually replaced by jet engine technology. During the Cold War in the 1950s, Chrysler manufactured air raid sirens powered by its Hemi V-8 engines.

Radar antennas

Chrysler played a significant role in developing radar technology during wartime. For the SCR-584 radar system—widely deployed throughout World War II—the Army Signal Corps assigned Chrysler’s Central Engineering Office to finalize the design of its intricate parabolic antenna and drive mechanism. Engineers at Chrysler substituted aluminum with steel for the parabola to enable efficient mass production using automotive stamping presses. They also drilled approximately 6,000 holes into the antenna to reduce weight without compromising functionality and re-engineered the drive system utilizing automotive gear components. These innovations enhanced radar performance while lowering weight and simplifying maintenance. The Dodge plant produced around 1,500 SCR-584 antennas along with related mobile units, underscoring Chrysler’s pivotal leadership in defense manufacturing efforts.

Aircraft

Missiles

In April 1950, the U.S. Army inaugurated the Ordnance Guided Missile Center (OGMC) at Redstone Arsenal, near Huntsville, Alabama, relocating more than 1,000 staff members from Fort Bliss, Texas. Among these were German engineers led by Wernher von Braun, who had been brought to the United States through Project Paperclip. The OGMC was responsible for creating the Army's initial short-range ballistic missile, the PGM-11 Redstone, which was derived from the World War II German V-2 rocket. Chrysler established its Missile Division to serve as the primary contractor for the Redstone program, setting up engineering operations in Huntsville and manufacturing at a sizable U.S. Navy facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The Redstone missile remained operational from 1958 until 1964 and was notably the first to successfully test-launch a live nuclear warhead in 1958.

Working alongside von Braun’s team, Chrysler upgraded the Redstone into the PGM-19 Jupiter, a medium-range ballistic missile. In May 1959, a Jupiter missile carried two monkeys into space, marking the first successful recovery of live U.S. biological payloads. Control of Jupiter missile deployment transitioned from the Army to the Air Force; these nuclear-armed missiles were deployed in Italy and Turkey throughout the early 1960s.

Space boosters

In July 1959, NASA chose the Redstone missile as the foundation for the Mercury-Redstone Launch Vehicle (MRLV), which was used for suborbital test flights under Project Mercury. Between November 1960 and March 1961, three uncrewed MRLV launches were conducted, with two achieving success. Early in 1961, the MRLV carried chimpanzee Ham and astronauts Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom on suborbital missions.

For manned spaceflight projects, Chrysler’s Huntsville Space Division became lead contractor for the first stage of both the Saturn I and Saturn IB rockets, developed by von Braun’s group. These stages were constructed at the Michoud Assembly Facility in East New Orleans—one of the largest production plants globally—and were based on clusters of Redstone and Jupiter fuel tanks. NASA conducted ten successful Saturn I and nine Saturn IB launches between October 1961 and July 1975; none of Chrysler’s booster stages experienced launch failures. Additionally, this division handled subcontracted upgrades to mobile launcher platforms for Saturn IB rockets utilizing existing Saturn V infrastructure.

See also

Countries

Additional resources

  • Goolsbee, Austan D., and Alan B. Krueger. "Reflecting on the bailout and reorganization of General Motors and Chrysler." Journal of Economic Perspectives 29.2 (2015): 3-24.


External resources


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