Call it Stellantis, call it FCA, call it DaimlerChrysler. Call it whatever you want. But most Americans will probably always just call it Chrysler. The legendary Big Three automaker was founded 100 years ago this month in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and its history of dramatic ups and downs is almost as well-known as their cars.
June 6, 1925: Walter Chrysler reorganizes the troubled Maxwell Motor Company and establishes the Chrysler Corporation, with offices in Michigan. Their first offering is the Chrysler Six, priced at a relatively affordable $1,565 (about $28,000 today).
1928: Chrysler introduces the lower-priced Plymouth and acquires Dodge.
1934: Chrysler engineers design the Airflow, which boasted a sleek and aerodynamic body and low-slung chassis. Sales were bad, but other automakers quickly copied the innovations.
1938: The Chrysler New Yorker hits the market. Retired in 1996, it was the longest-running American model.
1971: The corporation invests $450 million to produce new larger cars.
1973: The oil embargo spikes demand for small cars. Chrysler struggles to meet demand. Financial difficulties follow.
1978: Chrysler's board hires Lee Iacocca. The federal government provides loans, and Iacocca secures concessions from labor and dealers.
1980: Chrysler returns to profitability. All loans are repaid with by 1983.
1983: The Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager minivan establishes Chrysler as the leader in a new market category.
1987: At Iacocca's urging, Chrysler acquires Jeep.
1998: Mercedes maker Daimler-Benz AG acquires Chrysler in a stock swap as part of a "merger of equals." The new company is called DaimlerChrysler until Cerberus Capital Management acquires most of Chrysler in 2007.
2009: Chrysler files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after the 2008 financial crisis. It ultimately defaults on over $4 billion in secured debts. The federal government invests substantially in "New Chrysler," and Italian automaker Fiat later purchases the government's shares to create Fiat Chrysler or FCA.
2019: FCA agrees to a settlement of about $800 million after accusations of cheating on emissions tests.
2021: FCA merges with French automaker Peugeot S.A. The new firm is called Stellantis N.V. and headquartered in Hoofddorp, Netherlands.
