The Founding of Dodge Motor Company

In 1900, the Dodge brothers decided to make a significant leap into the automotive industry by forming a partnership with a close friend, Henry Ford. Together, they established the Dodge Brothers Company to supply Ford with engines and other components for his fledgling automobile venture.

This collaboration marked the beginning of their journey into the world of automobiles. The Dodge brothers’ company quickly became renowned for its precision manufacturing and reliability, earning them a reputation as reliable suppliers in the rapidly growing automotive industry. However, their partnership with Ford was not destined to last, as the Dodge brothers sought to expand their horizons.

John and Horace Dodge’s entry into the car manufacturing business was driven by a desire to create vehicles of superior quality and design. The company’s first car, the Dodge Model 30, was an immediate success, known for its durability and performance.

What set the Dodge brothers’ company apart from other automobile manufacturers of the time was their unwavering commitment to precision engineering and innovation. They introduced a number of groundbreaking features, such as all-steel bodies and hydraulic brakes, which soon became industry standards. These innovations not only set Dodge vehicles apart but also greatly enhanced the safety and performance of automobiles for decades to come.

The Dodge brothers were also notable for their focus on affordability. They aimed to produce cars that were accessible to a wide range of consumers, not just the elite. This vision made their automobiles popular among middle-class Americans, contributing significantly to the brand’s rapid growth.

Tragically, both John and Horace Dodge would not live to see the full extent of their accomplishments. In 1920, John Dodge passed away from pneumonia, leaving Horace as the sole leader of the company. Tragically in 1928, shortly after John passing, Horace Dodge would also meet a tragic end passing away at the age of 59 via complications of cirrhosis of the liver. These untimely deaths were a significant loss to the company and the automotive industry as a whole.