Chrysler Fevre Argentina

Chrysler Fevre Argentina S.A.

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1890
Founder	Julio Fevre
Defunct	1979
Fate	Sold to Volkswagen; operations ceased
Headquarters	Buenos Aires , Argentina
Products	Automobiles, trucks

Chrysler Fevre Argentina S.A. served as the Argentine branch of the American Chrysler Corporation. Originating in 1890 as a provider for the leather tanning sector, the company ventured into vehicle sales after obtaining exclusive import rights for Dodge Brothers automobiles in 1916.

Starting primarily as an importer, the firm transitioned into manufacturing during the 1960s, producing models inspired by both American and European designs. The enterprise halted operations in 1979 due to the financial difficulties faced by Chrysler Corporation in the United States.

Since 1991, the former Chrysler manufacturing facility has been occupied by the National University of La Matanza.

History

The company "Julio Fevre y Cía." was established in 1890 by Julio Fevre, initially focusing on importing machinery and chemicals for tanning processes. By 1910, under Julio's direction, the business shifted towards importing automobiles from French manufacturers such as Mors, Delage, and Citroën. Participation in racing events with Mors vehicles helped increase brand recognition.

In 1916, Fevre obtained exclusive rights to import Dodge Brothers vehicles into Argentina. The company set up its headquarters on Leandro N. Alem avenue in Buenos Aires by 1922. Following the creation of Chrysler Corporation in 1925 and its acquisition of Dodge, Fargo, and Plymouth brands in 1928, Chrysler products began entering the Argentine market.

Vehicle assembly started in 1932 at "Palacio Chrysler" located on Avenida Figueroa Alcorta. In 1935, after acquiring Resta Hermanos—the official Chrysler representative in Argentina—the company was renamed "Fevre y Basset Ltda. S.A.I.C." By 1940, all operations were consolidated at Palacio Chrysler.

After World War II, Fevre y Basset purchased a 38-hectare plot in San Justo to construct a modern production facility. Completed in 1950, this plant covered 50,000 m² and was the largest Chrysler factory outside North America at that time. Equipment was relocated from Palacio Chrysler, which was subsequently sold to the national government.

Early in 1959, Fevre y Basset Ltda. entered into an agreement with Chrysler International to establish "Chrysler Argentina S.A." Although legally distinct entities—with Luis Fevre leading Fevre y Basset and George Topping heading Chrysler Argentina—the partnership designated production responsibilities to Chrysler Argentina while assembly and sales remained under Fevre y Basset. Due to import limitations, factory activities resumed only toward the end of that year.

Production

The manufacturing plant officially commenced operations on May 3, 1960, producing D-100 pickups and D-400 trucks under the Dodge, Fargo, and DeSoto marques. By April 1961, production extended to include truck engines rated at 125 HP along with transmissions. Fargo and DeSoto trucks were phased out by 1967, leaving Dodge as the sole brand.

In December 1961, Chrysler Argentina S.A. introduced its inaugural automobile—the Valiant V200—aimed at competing with models like the Ford Falcon and Chevrolet 400. Initially relying on imported engines and transmissions, local production of the Slant Six engine and three-speed gearboxes began in 1963. That same year saw the launch of the "Valiant II," equipped with a 3.7-liter Slant Six engine delivering 137 HP.

The "Valiant III," which replaced its predecessor in 1964, was based on the Dodge Dart platform and became Argentina’s largest passenger car at a length of 4,976 mm. In 1965, Chrysler International S.A. merged with Fevre y Basset Ltda., creating "Chrysler Fevre Argentina S.A.I.C." The manufacturing facility expanded to cover 65,000 m² and produced approximately 27,000 transmissions between 1962 and 1964. The updated "Valiant IV," another iteration of the Dodge Dart, was launched in 1966.

By 1968, the Valiant series was succeeded by the Dodge Polara, with all commercial vehicles rebranded under Dodge. In 1970, Chrysler Fevre acquired the former Siam Di Tella plant located in Monte Chingolo for truck production.

The introduction of the Dodge 1500 in 1971—based on the British Hillman Avenger from Chrysler’s Rootes Group subsidiary—marked both Argentina’s first mid-size American-produced car and Chrysler's initial non-US model sold locally. Its popularity contributed significantly to boosting sales volumes. A station wagon version followed in 1978.

Despite robust domestic sales figures, Chrysler terminated its Argentine operations amid financial turmoil affecting its US parent company. Following directives from Detroit, Chrysler withdrew from all Latin American markets as well as Europe.

On May 5, 1980, Chrysler Fevre divested its Argentine and Brazilian branches to Volkswagen, which then established Volkswagen Argentina and Volkswagen Brazil subsidiaries.

Vehicles manufactured

Below is a compilation of automobiles and trucks produced by Chrysler Fevre in Argentina:

Local brand and model	Origin	Original model	Produced	Image
Dodge / Fargo / DeSoto D-400	USA	Dodge D truck	1960–1980
Dodge / Fargo / DeSoto D-100	USA	Dodge D pick up	1960–1979
Valiant I–II	USA	1961 Plymouth Valiant	1961–1963
Valiant III	USA	1964 Dodge Dart	1964–1966
Valiant IV	USA	1966 Dodge Dart	1966–1968
Dodge Polara	USA	1967–69 Dodge Dart	1969–1980
Dodge 1500	Template:Country data UK	Rootes Hillman Avenger	1971–1980

Notes

Aftermath

After Chrysler withdrew from Argentina and the broader Latin American market, it sold its local operations to Volkswagen, which subsequently established Volkswagen Argentina and Volkswagen Brazil. Volkswagen maintained production of the Dodge 1500, marketing it as the "Volkswagen Dodge 1500W". While manufacturing ceased relatively quickly in Brazil, it continued for a longer period in Argentina.

Once Volkswagen assumed full ownership in 1982, the vehicle was renamed "Volkswagen 1500". Production persisted until 1990, with an estimated total output of around 262,668 units since its initial launch in 1971.

The former Chrysler factory located in San Justo remained unused until 1989, when the Argentine Senate passed Law 23,748 creating the National University of La Matanza. The main structure of the plant was renovated and reopened as the university campus in 1991.