Dodge Grab Life By The Horns
By Fei Lim

Dodge vehicles are a brand name of many vehicles, and light to heavy-duty trucks. The Dodge Company started out as the 'Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company' in 1914 through to 1927. The Chrysler Corporation then bought the company from the Dodge Brothers in 1928. In 1998, Dodge, along with other Chrysler names merged with Diamler-Benz, which is the operating company of Dodge today.

Dodge History
The Dodge brothers owned a bicycle and machine company, which they moved to Detroit Michigan in the beginning of the 1900s. At this time, the Dodge brother's bearings, and some of the other parts that they manufactured were in demand by car companies, including Oldsmobile.

By 1902, the Dodge brothers met Henry Ford, who was interested in starting his own car company. The Dodge brothers helped Henry Ford finance the Ford Motor Company, as well as helped by manufacturing some of the parts for the early Ford model cars. For some time, this was a profitable association for both the Dodge brothers, and Henry Ford, although it did end badly, with the Dodge brother's suing Ford for selling their cars for below production costs.

By 1914, the Dodge brothers had started their own car company, which they named 'The Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company' and began production of trucks that were intended for the US Army during WW1. After the war ended, the Dodge brothers went on to sell their trucks commercially.

By 1925, the Dodge Motor Company was sold to Dillon Reid and Company for a massive US$148 million, which was the largest transaction in history up until that time. Reid went on to sell the company to Chrysler in 1928.

Chrysler Europe, who had control of the Dodge Company, collapsed in 1977. Through sale of their assets, the company was passed on to Renault. Dodge is now a part of Daimler-Chrysler Ag, the Dodge brand is mainly known for its production of trucks, which accounts for almost 80% of their division's sales. Dodge is trying to change the perception of only being known as a truck producer, with the recent addition of the Dodge Charger in 2006.

Dodge vehicles are widely available throughout the world, and in 2006, the Dodge Company recorded sales of more than 1.3 million of its vehicles worldwide.

Dodge Recent Models
• The Avenger is a 4-door sedan, 2.4-liter engine, including a tire pressure monitoring system, with a starting price under $20,000.
• The Caliber has the highest government front, and side crash rating.
• The 2008 Viper is a high performance car, which has a 600-hp, and 560 lb.-lift of torque,
• The Charger is a modern revival of the muscle car,
• The Magnum contains a 190-hp V6 engine, and comes with a four-speed auto transmission.
• The Caravan is one of Dodge's most award winning Mini-vans,
• The Nitro is a mid sized SUV,
• The Durango is a mid-sized SUV in a limited 4x2,
• The Dakota Club Cab comes with added cab space, as well as a V8 motor
• The 2006 Ram SRT 10 is said to be the fastest full-sized pick up truck in America,
• The Ram 1500 has a quad cab, and is a full-sized pick up truck,
• The Ram 2500/3500 is a heavy-duty, quad cab pick up truck.
• The Ram 3500 HD Chassis Cab is a classic cab style, with industrial strength capabilities.
• The 2007 Sprinter is a large cargo van with a standard 3.0-liter CRD turbo diesel engine.

The Dodge range of automobiles, and light to heavy duty trucks continue to be a global presence, and with a slogan "Grab Life By The Horns" the dodge company is set to be a force to be reckoned with in all of their present, and future models.