How Car Companies Got their Names

Discussion in 'Challenger News, Articles and Media Reviews' started by SRT-Tom, Jun 21, 2025.

  1. Jun 21, 2025 at 12:15 PM #1
    SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Most car brands were named after their founders (going back to the late 1880s), but some were, surprisingly, named after a President, a Roman god, an explorer, a bicycle company, a government abbreviation, a twine company and an Indian chief.

    Here are the origins:

    Chrysler- Walter P. Chrysler
    Dodge- John and Horace Dodge
    Plymouth- Plymouth Cordage Company (farmer-inspired)
    Jeep- GP (Gov. vehicle, 80-inch wheelbase)

    Ford- Henry Ford
    Lincoln- Abraham Lincoln (President)
    Mercury- Winged Roman god

    Chevrolet- Louis Chevrolet
    Oldsmobile- Ransom E. Olds
    Buick- David Dunbar Buick
    Cadillac- Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac (explorer)
    Pontiac- Odwa Chieftain (Indian)

    American Motors- American auto manufacturer aiming to compete with larger automakers (merger of Nash and Hudson companies)
    Rambler- Rambler bicycles

    For more information, see:

    How Car Companies Got Their Names - Autoblog
     
    Last edited: Jun 21, 2025
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  2. Jun 23, 2025 at 10:41 AM #2
    James Cavender

    James Cavender Member

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    Very interesting, thanks for sharing!:)
     
  3. Jun 23, 2025 at 2:58 PM #3
    HellKitten

    HellKitten Full Access Member

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    Learned something new..
     
  4. Jun 23, 2025 at 5:41 PM #4
    Niles

    Niles Full Access Member

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    R.E.O was also founded by Ransom E Olds
     
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  5. Jun 23, 2025 at 9:48 PM #5
    baccaruda

    baccaruda Full Access Member

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    And the DMC car company "DeLorean Motor Company" Was founded by John DeLorean which only lasted from 1981 to 1982.

    upload_2025-6-23_21-48-35.jpeg
     
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  6. Jun 24, 2025 at 8:10 AM #6
    fritzthecat

    fritzthecat Full Access Member

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    Those cars could take you back in time!
     
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  7. Jun 28, 2025 at 8:23 AM #7
    fritzthecat

    fritzthecat Full Access Member

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    He was also the bass player and major songwriter for the band REO Speedwagon!
    :D
     
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  8. Jun 28, 2025 at 2:33 PM #8
    Cloverdale

    Cloverdale Full Access Member

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    So could the substance Delorean was attempting to purchase! :D
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2025