Company Historical Timeline

2025
Chrysler marks its 100th anniversary, honoring Walter P. Chrysler's legacy of innovation, engineering excellence and beautiful, affordable designs. As the brand celebrates this milestone, the future looks bright with exciting new releases: a refreshed Chrysler Pacifica in 2026, a new crossover soon after and a third product inspired by the Halcyon concept.

Company announces $388 million investment in Metro Detroit Megahub to enhance Mopar service parts distribution.

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant assembles two millionth Ram 1500 truck. 

The 250,000th Jeep® Wrangler 4xe rolls off the assembly line at the Toledo Assembly Complex.

Ram announces the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque engine to the 1500.

Jeep announces return of all-new Cherokee in late 2025.

The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona and Ram 1500 take top spots in the 2025 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards, with Charger Daytona earning honors as Best Sport Coupe and Ram 1500 claiming the award in the Best Fullsize Truck category.

2024
Chrysler unveils the Chrysler Halcyon concept, exemplifying a fully electrified future of the Chrysler brand that embraces sustainability-driven exterior and interior design, full autonomy paired with personalized driving experiences and futuristic technology that expands on the brand’s Harmony in Motion ethos of customer-focused seamless connectivity.

Stellantis invests $29.5 million in innovative wind tunnel technology to enhance EV aerodynamics.

Jeep brand reveals its first global battery-electric vehicle, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S.

MotorTrend names the Ram 1500 its 2025 Truck of the Year. Car and Driver names 2025 Ram 1500 to its 10Best vehicle list. 

3.0-liter Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo engine is named to Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems List.

Ram is named No. 1 industry brand in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, remaining the only truck-exclusive brand ever to do so.

Dodge announces the global debut of the world’s first and only electric muscle car and the brand’s first multi-energy muscle car: the all-new Dodge Charger Daytona.

Stellantis announces investment of more than $406 million in three Michigan facilities to support its multi-energy strategy and confirms that the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) will be the company’s first U.S. plant to build a fully electric vehicle.

Stellantis unveils STLA Large, a highly flexible, BEV-native platform, as the foundation for a wide range of vehicles for global markets in the D and E segments.

Ram announces new Ram Professional commercial vehicle division with full-service customer mobility and value solutions. Ram introduces the new Ram ProMaster EV.

Dodge enters Nitrocross with the introduction of four Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X electric-powered race cars in the Group E class.

FIAT celebrates its first 125 years. The first all-electric Fiat 500e vehicles destined for the United States roll off the line at the Mirafiori Assembly Plant in Turin, Italy.

2023
The 100,000th Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid rolls off the production line amid a gathering of employees at the Windsor Assembly Plant to celebrate the milestone model of the first, and still the only, plug-in hybrid in the segment.

Seven automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis, unite to create IONNA, a leading high-powered charging network across North America.

Stellantis unveils STLA Medium, a global BEV-by-design platform with state-of-the-art features including best-in-class range, energy efficiency, embedded power and charging power.

The U.S. Department of Energy and Stellantis launch the Battery Workforce Challenge, which includes a three-year collegiate engineering competition; vocational training; youth education in STEM and career and technical education. 

Stellantis announces $155 million investment in three Kokomo, Indiana, plants to produce new electric drive modules (EDM) that will help power electric vehicles assembled in North America.

Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo brands rank 1-2-3 in J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study.

Jeep brand announces sale of five millionth Wrangler.

Alfa Romeo announces the rebirth of the custom-built 33 Stradale.

2022 
Chrysler Airflow concept is unveiled at CES 2022, giving a glimpse at potential fully connected customer experiences and advanced mobility features.

Chrysler brand commemorates the nearly 70-year legacy of the Chrysler 300 with the 2023 Chrysler 300C, powered by a 6.4L HEMI engine with 485 horsepower; only 2,000 2023 Chrysler 300C vehicles are produced for the United States.

The company announces $99 million investment in three North American plants for production of a new four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

Stellantis and Samsung SDI announce $2.5 billion investment in joint venture for lithium-ion battery production plant in the U.S.

The company reveals plans to invest $3.6 billion CAD ($2.8 billion USD) to secure the future of Windsor and Brampton (Ontario) Assembly Plants and to expand the Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC).

Stellantis and LG Energy Solution announce $5 billion CAD investment in joint venture for first large-scale lithium-ion battery production plant in Canada.

Dodge introduces the all-new Hornet, the quickest, fastest, most powerful CUV under $30,000.

Alfa Romeo Tonale makes its global debut.

2021
FCA and PSA merge to create Stellantis, a company with 14 brands, including Chrysler, with a focus on global innovation and efficiency.

Chrysler Pacifica is named Car and Driver Editors’ Choice: The Best New Minivans.

Jeep brand dominates the Rebelle Rally with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the first electrified vehicle to win the 1,500-mile trek across the Nevada and California deserts, finishing in both first and second place, taking the overall win and the Bone Stock award.

Jeep, FIAT and Ram brands partner with (RED) to serve the global fight against pandemics, launching special-edition (RED) vehicles and helping to deliver more than $4 million in support. 

2020
Chrysler unveils refreshed Chrysler Pacifica, with available all-wheel-drive capability, a refreshed exterior and interior design and new features, including a new FamCAM interior camera that provides a view of rear-facing child seat occupants.

Toledo Assembly Complex launches production of the Jeep® Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid.

The company is named Corporation of the Year by the National Minority Supplier Development Council for the second year in a row.

FCA announces $400 million investment to repurpose an idled transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana, to build the GMET4 engine offered on the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee. 

Ram Truck brand wins MotorTrend Truck of the Year competition for third consecutive year.

Jeep Gladiator is named the 2020 North American Truck of the Year in its debut year.

The company announces plans to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic by manufacturing and donating more than 1 million protective face masks per month for initial distribution across the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

June 24 marks the 110th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo brand.

2019
Chrysler celebrates 15 million minivans sold and counting since the very first minivan rolled off the line at the Windsor Assembly Plant on November 2, 1983, as the first company to introduce the minivan. Chrysler minivan lineup expands with the addition of the Chrysler Voyager, designed with budget-friendly family and fleet customers in mind.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and Peugeot S.A. sign a binding Combination Agreement providing for a 50/50 merger of their businesses to create the fourth largest global automotive OEM by volume and third largest by revenue.

The company recognizes and honors the passing of Lee Iacocca, who played a historic role in steering Chrysler through crisis and making it a true competitive force. He was one of the great leaders of our company and the auto industry as a whole. 

The company confirms plans to invest $4.5 billion in five existing Michigan plants, and to work with the city of Detroit and state of Michigan to build a new assembly plant within Detroit city limits. 

The 10 millionth Pentastar engine is produced at Trenton Engine Complex. 

Cummins and Ram Truck celebrate production of the 3 millionth diesel engine.

2018
Michael Manley is appointed CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and chief operating officer of the NAFTA region on July 21, 2018.

2017
Alfa Romeo launches the Stelvio, the brand’s first SUV.

Jeep begins production of the Compass in India, bringing the brand’s production to a total of six countries around the world.

Alfa Romeo announces its return to Formula 1 for the 2018 championship season, after more than 30 years away from the sport.

Fiat begins production of the all-new Cronos sedan in Argentina for distribution in markets across Latin America.

FCA signs a memorandum of understanding with BMW Group, Intel and Mobileye to develop a state-of-the-art autonomous driving platform.

Mopar celebrates its 80th anniversary year.

2016
In early January, FCA completes the spin-off of Ferrari.

2016 is a very active year on the product front, including the Group’s entry into six new product segments: Maserati launches its first SUV, the Levante. Alfa Romeo launches the ground-breaking new Giulia and the Fiat brand introduces the Tipo, Toro, Fullback and 124 Spider.

Chrysler brand, which introduced the minivan concept in the 1980s, launches the all-new Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid, the industry’s first electrified minivan.

FCA announces a collaboration with Waymo (formerly the Google Self-driving Car Project) and the completion of 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles purpose-built for fully self-driving operations.

2015
The new state-of-the-art Jeep industrial complex is opened in Goiana, Brazil. This greenfield plant becomes the Group’s largest facility with installed production capacity of more than 250,000 vehicles a year and the flexibility to produce three different models.

The GAC-FCA joint venture plant in Changsha, China, begins production of the Jeep Cherokee, the brand’s first locally produced model.

Luxury carmaker Ferrari is listed on the New York Stock Exchange in advance of its intended spin-off from FCA.

Alfa Romeo reveals the all-new Giulia sedan, the first of the brand’s new generation of models.

The Verrone transmission plant in Italy is awarded World Class Manufacturing Gold.

2014-2018
In January 2014, Fiat Group acquires 100% ownership in Chrysler Group, paving the way to complete the union between the two groups in both financial and technical terms. The merger of an Italian company and an American company creates a multinational organization that operates in more than 140 countries and employs nearly 236,000 people. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles unveils the Group’s strategic plan for 2014-2018. This marks the beginning of a new phase for the now fully integrated global automaker, which pursues its ambitious strategic objectives while consistently delivering on the key financial targets set out in the plan. In October, the two companies merge to create Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and shares in the new company begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange and the Milan Stock Exchange.

2014
The Jeep brand launches the all-new Renegade, the brand’s first-ever small SUV and the first FCA vehicle designed in the U.S. and produced in Italy.

Alfa Romeo returns to the North American market, after an absence of some 20 years, with the launch of the 4C Coupé.

Fiat brand expands the 500 family with the launch of the new 500X crossover.

Maserati and Dodge both celebrate their 100th anniversary.

2009 – 2013
Fiat Group and Chrysler Group entered into a global strategic alliance in mid-2009, launching a period of profound changes for both groups. Synergies included optimization of the respective manufacturing footprints and global supplier base, sharing of technologies and access to new markets. Chrysler Group achieved an impressive turnaround in just 19 months and fully repays, with interests and six years ahead of schedule, all the loans received from the U.S. and Canadian governments. A historic decision changes the shape of the Group: the demerger of its capital goods businesses and the creation of two distinct entities, Fiat and Fiat Industrial. By the end of the period, Fiat and Chrysler have achieved full integration at the industrial and cultural level and have created an organization that is truly unified in practice, even if not yet on paper.

2013
Maserati debuts the new Ghibli, which represents the brand’s entry into the high-end E segment.

The Ram brand introduces the new Ram ProMaster commercial van, developed from the successful, long-standing Fiat Ducato, and the ProMaster City.

Group plants in Pomigliano d’Arco (Italy), Tychy (Poland) and Bursa (Turkey) are the first three assembly plants to achieve World Class Manufacturing Gold.

2012
Fiat brand launches the 500L, a new addition to the highly successful 500 family, with production in Kragujevac, Serbia.

Production of the Fiat Viaggio, the brand’s first-ever model produced in China, begins at the newly inaugurated GAC-Fiat joint venture plant in Changsha, China.

The Bielsko-Biala engine plant in Poland is the first Group plant to achieve World Class Manufacturing Gold.

Fiat Group’s ownership interest in Chrysler Group reaches 58.5 percent.

2011
On January 1, Fiat Group spins off its capital goods activities to Fiat Industrial (subsequently renamed CNH Industrial) to focus on its core automotive businesses.

The Jeep brand celebrates 70 years since the iconic Willys MB entered production in 1941.

Production of the third-generation Fiat Panda begins at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy.

During the year, Fiat Group increases its ownership interest in Chrysler Group to 53.5 percent.

2010
John Elkann is named Chairman of the Company.

Alfa Romeo celebrates its 100th anniversary and debuts the new Giulietta.

Production of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee begins at Detroit’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant.

The Fiat brand marks its return to North America, after an absence of 27 years, with the presentation of the 500 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

2009
On June 10, Fiat Group and Chrysler Group LLC announce a global strategic alliance, with Fiat taking an initial 20 percent ownership interest in Chrysler, while the VEBA Trust, U.S. Treasury and Canadian government hold the remaining interests. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is also appointed Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC.

Dodge and Ram Truck split to become separate, stand-alone brands, allowing each to focus on its own, distinct customers.

2000 – 2008
Even with ownership changes, new models and new power plants continued to be introduced. The Charger, Challenger and 300 nameplates were reintroduced, as was the third-generation HEMI engine. The Jeep and Ram brands continued to grow their market share with continuous improvements.

2008
Nearly 40 years after the debut of the original, Dodge brings the Challenger back. A modern muscle car, it comes with a fuel-efficient V-6 option and an aggressive entry-level price.

2006
The Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico marks the one-millionth Chrysler PT Cruiser manufacturing milestone.

2005
The 2005 Chrysler 300 is named North American Car of the Year.

2004
The new Chrysler 300 is named Car of the Year by Motor Trend magazine. 

2003
Chrysler reintroduces the HEMI engine to production cars.

1990 – 2000
The 1990s saw Chrysler’s sales driven by design innovation across the model lines. From the bold new Viper to a radically new pickup, Chrysler reshaped what customers expected from vehicles' appearances. Strong sales grew the corporate workforce to more than 130,000 employees worldwide.

1998
The Dodge Durango SUV and the Chrysler 300M are introduced.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the new Quadra-Dive four-wheel-drive system.

Chrysler and Daimler-Benz agree to a merger.

1996
Chrysler’s market share reaches 16.2 percent, the highest since 1957.

1994
The all-new Dodge Ram is introduced.

1993
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is introduced, redefining the luxury SUV segment.

1993
The all-new LH cars are introduced, the first example of “Cab Forward” design.

1992
The production Dodge Viper is on sale for the first time.

The new $1 billion Jefferson Avenue Assembly Plant is dedicated and production of the Jeep Grand Cherokee begins.

Chrysler introduces the integrated child safety seats into its minivan line, an industry first.

1991
The Chrysler Tech Center is dedicated in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

1980 – 1990
Following a decade of turbulence, the Chrysler Corporation saw a decade of growth and innovation. Back on firm financial ground, the company introduced a series of popular vehicles based on the K platform and created an entirely new segment in the market, the minivan.

1989
The Dodge Viper Concept car is introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

1988
Chrysler offers airbags as standard equipment, an industry first.

1987
Chrysler acquires the Jeep brand with the purchase of American Motors.

1984
Lee Iacocca drives the first production minivan, a Plymouth Voyager, off the assembly line.

1982
The Chrysler LeBaron convertible is introduced. It is the first convertible to be offered in North America since 1975.

1981
The K-Car is introduced.

1970 – 1980
The 1970s were a time of great change in the industry and at Chrysler. Higher insurance rates and rising gas prices led to the end of the muscle car era and to a focus on smaller and more economical vehicles. By the end of the decade, Chrysler had introduced a line of sub-compact cars to meet the challenges, but they still faced financial uncertainty. Lee Iacocca was brought in from Ford Motor Company to lead a dramatic turnaround.

1978
Lee Iacocca joins Chrysler. The Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon are introduced.

1976
The new Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare win the Motor Trend "Car of the Year" award.

1975
The Chrysler Cordoba is introduced.

1972
Chrysler introduces the four-wheel limited-slip brake system called Sure Brake System, which is the forerunner to the modern ABS systems.

1970
The Dodge Challenger is introduced. Dodge’s entrant into the Pony Car wars is fitted with a large variety of engines, including the legendary 426 HEMI.

1960 – 1970
A decade that would be remembered for its horsepower wars, the 1960s were a time of incredible growth for the Chrysler Corporation. Employment at the company grew from around 100,000 employees in 1960 to more than 230,000 by 1969. The new Valiant compacts were introduced in 1960 and Chrysler’s international presence grew with increased investment in the Simca and Rootes Group in Europe.

1969
The Dodge Daytona is introduced.

1966
Following a ban from NASCAR for not being available to the public, the HEMI engine is made available in mid- and full-size Dodge and Plymouth models. The HEMI remains available until the end of the 1971 model year.

The Dodge Charger is introduced.

1964
Chrysler enters the Pony Car market with the mid-year introduction of the Plymouth Barracuda.

The 426-cubic-inch HEMI engine is introduced at the 1964 Daytona. HEMI-powered cars come in first, second and third and the legend of the HEMI is born.

1963
A new Ghia-bodied Chrysler Turbine car is introduced. Two-hundred families from around the country evaluate the Turbine car at their homes for 90 days.

1962
The Jeep Wagoneer is introduced. It is the first time that four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission are combined in an SUV.

1960
Chrysler’s first compact car, the Valiant, is introduced.

Unibody design is introduced on all Dodge full-size models.

The alternator is also introduced, a major advancement in automotive electronics and an industry first.

1950 – 1960
The 1950s were a time of economic growth and prosperity throughout the United States. After years of buying refreshed pre-war vehicles, consumers expected more styling and features in their vehicles. This led to new, more powerful engines, advanced safety features and an all-new look. Chrysler called it the “Forward Look,” reflecting the Jet Age the world was now entering.

1957
Designer Virgil Exner’s vision of Jet Age cars comes alive with the introduction of sleek lines and high rear fins on all Chrysler models.

1955
The Jeep CJ-5 is introduced ushering in the era of recreational off-roading. The Jeep begins its decades-long run as a lifestyle vehicle.

The Chrysler 300 is introduced. This vehicle, powered by the HEMI engine, is the first production vehicle to offer 300 horsepower.

1954
The Chelsea Proving Grounds opens in Chelsea, Michigan. The 3,850-acre facility features state-of-the-art test facilities and a five-mile high-speed oval.

Dodge gets its first HEMI engine with the introduction of the 241-cubic-inch V-8 and a Dodge Royal paces the Indianapolis 500.

1951
Chrysler offers the industry's first power steering on Chrysler and Imperial models.

The V-8 HEMI engine is introduced.

1940 – 1950
The production needs of the war effort drove the company for most of the 1940s. The Chrysler Corporation made hundreds of different products, including trucks, tanks, aircraft engines and billions of rounds of ammunition. The Jeep brand was created at Willys-Overland before the war and switched to civilian vehicles after the war.

1949
The Jeep brand combines an all-steel body, seven-passenger seating and four-wheel drive to create the world’s first SUV.

1945
Jeep begins production of a civilian model, the CJ-2A, before WWII is over. It is the first civilian vehicle allowed to be built by the U.S. government due to its versatility and utility.

1942 - 1945
All divisions of the corporation turn out a wide variety of items to support the military, from trucks and tanks to bullets and radar units.

By the end of the war, Chrysler has supplied several billion rounds of ammunition, 600,000 trucks and 25,000 tanks.

1942
Production of all passenger cars ends in February and all corporate plants shift to producing products for World War II.

1941
Willys-Overland begins production of the Jeep with the introduction of the MB for the military.

1940
Walter P. Chrysler dies at the age of 65.

1930 – 1940
The Great Depression had a huge impact on the automobile industry. Many smaller companies were forced out of business, while the larger ones struggled to stay in business. Thanks in part to having vehicle lines in multiple price classes, Chrysler survived the depression without dramatic cuts to staff and was even able to invest in its models. Engineering achievements included the introduction of overdrive and the one-piece curved windshield.

1939
All-new bodies are introduced for the 1940 model-year Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge and DeSoto cars. This is the first year of production for the top-of-the-line Chrysler New Yorker, a model name that will last through the mid-1990s.

1938
A new state-of-the-art truck plant is completed in Warren, Michigan.

1934
The revolutionary Airflow is introduced. It is the world’s first vehicle to be designed using a wind tunnel.

1932
The Plymouth becomes the third best-selling vehicle in the nation. Strong sales of the Plymouth enable the Chrysler Corporation to survive the Great Depression.

1920 – 1930
The 1920s was a time of transition in the auto industry. Many companies were struggling to survive, which lead to a series of bankruptcies, mergers and acquisitions. In this environment, Walter P. Chrysler, who was overseeing the Maxwell Motor Company, released an automobile bearing his name and recreated the Chrysler Corporation from Maxwell’s assets. Later in the decade, he introduced the Plymouth and DeSoto brands and acquired the Dodge Brothers.

1928
The Chrysler Corporation buys the Dodge Brothers Corporation and introduces the DeSoto and Plymouth brands.

1925
The Chrysler Corporation is incorporated on June 6, 1925, from the assets of the Maxwell Motor Company.

1924
The first Chrysler model is sold through the Maxwell dealer network.

1921
Walter P. Chrysler becomes the Chairman of the Board of Maxwell Motor Company to prevent it from going into receivership.

1920
Walter P. Chrysler is hired to save Willys-Overland and the Willys company from bankruptcy with an annual salary of $1 million.

1920
John and Horace Dodge die 11 months apart.

1910 – 1920
The Dodge Brothers expand on their success as a major parts supplier to become one of the largest manufacturers in the country with a worldwide dealer network. Building on their well-established reputation, John and Horace create a well-engineered car that appeals to the masses.

1919
Walter P. Chrysler resigns as President of Buick and Vice President of General Motors.

1917
Dodge Brothers introduce their first commercial truck, which is sold as a 1918 model.

1916
Dodge cars become the U.S. Army’s first gasoline-powered combat vehicle used in battle while pursuing Poncho Villa in Mexico.

1914
The Dodge Brothers end their relationship with the Ford Motor Company and begin producing their own vehicle.

1912
Walter P. Chrysler is hired by Charles Nash as Works Manager for the Buick Motor Company in Flint, Michigan.

1910
The Dodge Brothers build a new plant in Hamtramck, Michigan.

1900 – 1910
The first decade of the new century saw the introduction of the automobile to a wider consumer base. No longer were cars a toy for the rich. Early pioneers of the industry, including the Dodge Brothers, were able to mass produce and lower the price of automobiles.

1908
Walter P. Chrysler attends the Chicago Auto Show and purchases his first car, a Locomobile.

1903
The Dodge Brothers end their contract with Olds Motor Works and sign a contract with Henry Ford to build engines, transmissions, and steering and brake parts for Henry Ford’s new automobile venture.

1902
The Dodge Brothers begin production of transmissions for the Olds Motor Works. They would eventually produce more than 3,000 transmissions.

1901
The Dodge Brothers move to Detroit, Michigan, and open a machine shop on Beaubien Street.

1800s
The Industrial Revolution was picking up steam in the late 1800s and the men who would create the automobile industry were coming into their own. With the invention of the internal combustion engine and its mating with the formerly horse-drawn carriage, a new industry was born. This invention would in time change the course of history.

1889:
The Dodge Brothers move to Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and eventually form the Evens & Dodge Bicycle Company.

1875:
Walter P. Chrysler is born in Wamego, Kansas.

1868:
Horace Dodge is born in Niles, Michigan.

1864:
John Dodge is born in Niles, Michigan.