When Was Chevrolet Founded?

Chevrolet cars, trucks, and SUVs are incredibly popular on Lawrenceville and Suwanee roads, but have you ever thought about how this iconic brand came to be? When was Chevrolet founded, and who founded the brand in the first place? Chevrolet was founded on November 3, 1911, in Detroit, Michigan – the same year of the inaugural Indianapolis-500 race, and the same year that Orville Wright set yet another world record in flight. Learn more about Chevrolet history in this guide from Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth!

Who Founded Chevrolet?

Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant co-founded the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. Louis Chevrolet was a Swiss race car driver and automotive engineer. William C. Durant was the founder of General Motors (GM), but he had been ousted from the company amidst a 1910 financial crisis.

A Timeline of Chevrolet’s Early Years

Following the brand’s founding in 1911, the early history of Chevrolet saw some rapid changes:

• 1918: Durant organized a reverse merger with Chevrolet and General Motors (GM) to regain his GM presidency.
• 1919: By 1919, Durant was ousted once again, making room for a new GM president: Alfred Sloan. Sloan soon chose Chevrolet to be the volume leader in the GM family, with the brand’s philosophy soon evolving into ‘a car for every purse and every purpose.’
• 1929: Just 10 years later, Chevrolet overtook Ford as the best-selling car in the United States!

Where Was the First Chevrolet Factory?

The very first Chevrolet factory was rooted in Flint, Michigan, at the corner of Wilcox and Kearsley Street, which is directly across from Kettering University. Today, the site is known by locals as ‘Chevy Commons.’

Series C Classic Six: The First Chevrolet Production Car

The first Chevrolet vehicle in production was the Series C Classic Six. It was designed by Etienne Planche following specs drawn up by Louis Chevrolet. This original production model was unveiled to the public for the first time at the 1913 New York Auto Show.

What Does the Chevrolet Logo Represent?

The Chevrolet logo is instantly recognizable in Johns Creek today, but have you ever wondered what it is supposed to be, and what it represents? First used in 1914 on the H Series Baby Grand and Royal Mail models, as well as Light Six L Series models, the Chevy logo is commonly referred to as the Chevrolet ‘bowtie,’ though many describe it as an italicized plus sign. What inspired the logo in the first place? The true answer remains a mystery, but here are some commonly debated possibilities:

• William C. Durant got the design from wallpaper he saw in a French hotel room.
• It was based on the logo of the Coalettes coal company.
• It is a stylized version of the Swiss cross, honoring the heritage of Louis Chevrolet.

Check Out the Modern Chevrolet Lineup at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth!

Chevrolet vehicles have come quite a long way since the brand’s founding in 1911! The philosophy of ‘a car for every purse and every purpose’ still holds true, as the brand’s cars, trucks, and SUVs remain competitively priced for Duluth shoppers. Whether you are interested in the family-oriented Suburban SUV, the legendary Silverado 1500 pickup, or an iconic athlete like the Corvette sports car, you can get behind the wheel at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth. Contact us today to learn more!