When Was Chevrolet Founded?

You can’t drive through Birmingham without passing the latest Chevy models, so how did this brand become such a massive success? In this guide, we’ll walk you through who founded Chevrolet and how the brand grew from humble beginnings to an international hit.

Who Founded Chevrolet?

Chevrolet was founded by both Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant. Louis Chevrolet had gained attention as a race car driver and automotive engineer, while William C. Durant was one of the original founders of General Motors (GM). After leaving GM in 1910, he sought to create a new company to bring autos into the future.

How Did Chevrolet Develop?

So, when was Chevrolet founded? The brand was born on November 3rd, 1911 in the heart of Detroit, Michigan. This was not only a big year for Chevy, but also the very first year of the Indy 500. Following its debut, Chevrolet developed very quickly.

• 1918: Chevrolet and General Motors (GM) merge and Durant regains his GM presidency.
• 1919: By 1919, Alfred Sloan became the new GM president. Chevrolet is targeted as the volume leader in the GM family, resulting in the slogan ‘a car for every purse and every purpose.’
• 1929: Chevrolet overtakes Ford as the best-selling car in the United States.

Where Did Chevrolet Start Manufacturing?

The very first Chevrolet factory was set in its headquarters of Flint, Michigan. Located at the corner of Wilcox and Kearsley Street, this spot is well-known to this day as “Chevy Commons.” This was the site of the very first Chevrolet car: the Series C Classic Six. This model was designed by Etienne Planche, and it debuted at the 1913 New York Auto Show.

What Does the Chevy Logo Represent?

Many Vestavia Hills drivers can recognize a Chevy vehicle by the logo alone, but the origins of the iconic bowtie remain a mystery. Here are three of the most popular theories surrounding how the Chevy logo was designed:

• William C. Durant was inspired by wallpaper in his hotel room in France.
• The logo drew inspiration from the Coalettes coal company logo.
• The design paid homage to the Swiss cross, a nod to Louis Chevrolet’s heritage.

Find Out More with Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover

Now that you know when Chevrolet was founded, why not explore its modern day success with a test drive at Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover? Contact us in Hoover to get started, or buy online with home delivery without leaving your Bessemer living room!