Who Founded Chevrolet?
The Chevrolet Motor Car Company was founded in Detroit, Michigan on November 3, 1911, by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant. Fittingly, Louis Chevrolet was a Swiss race car driver and automotive engineer. Durant’s history was with General Motors, of which he was a founder who had been ousted amidst a financial crisis earlier in 1911. Whether you cruise the Greensboro streets in an Equinox SUV, a Silverado 1500 pickup, or an iconic Corvette sports car, you’ll find everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Chevrolet history in our guide down below!
WHEN WAS CHEVROLET FOUNDED?
As we mentioned above, Chevrolet was founded in 1911. This was a significant year in the history books not just for Chevrolet, but for the auto industry as a whole, with the very first Indianapolis-500 race taking place about 300 miles away! While automotive history was being made on land, Orville Wright took to the sky and set another world record in flight.
Other significant dates in Chevrolet history include:
- In 1918, Durant regained his presidency at General Motors (GM) by planning a reverse merger between Chevrolet and GM.
- Come 1919, Durant was ousted yet again and a new president, Alfred Sloan, stepped up and made Chevrolet the volume leader in the GM family. Chevrolet’s official philosophy was also determined during this year: “A car for every purse and every purpose.”
- 10 years later in 1929, Chevrolet overtook Ford as the best-selling car in the U.S.!
WHERE DOES THE CHEVY LOGO COME FROM?
The Chevy bowtie logo is something of an icon in modern times, but have you ever wondered about its origins? It debuted in 1914 on the H Series Baby Grand and Royal Mail models, as well as on the Light Six L Series model. The logo resembles an italicized plus sign, but there are varying theories on what it is actually supposed to depict:
- Some say Durant was inspired by some wallpaper that adorned the walls of a French hotel room he once stayed in.
- Others believe the logo is based on the Coalettes coal company logo.
- Don’t believe either of the above? Perhaps you’ll side with those who think the logo is a stylized version of the Swiss cross, paying homage to Louis Chevrolet’s Swiss heritage.
CHEVROLET VEHICLES: THEN AND NOW
Chevrolet vehicles have certainly come a long way since the company’s founding! The very first Chevrolet model ever produced was the Series C Classic Six, which debuted in 1913 at the New York Auto Show. The Series C Classic Six was designed by Etienne Planche, using specs created by Louis Chevrolet.
Today, the Chevrolet lineup offers fantastic versatility to shoppers. Whether you’re a Winston-Salem family searching for a reliable SUV, a commuter coming from High Point who wants an efficient sedan, or a local contractor with a love for pickups, you’ll surely find something to love from Chevy. And, of course, we can’t forget to mention two muscle car icons: the Corvette and the Camaro!
Of course, it’s not just the sleek, modern body styling that sets today’s Chevy models well apart from their ancestors. If Louis Chevrolet stepped into the cabin of a new Chevy vehicle today, he would surely be at a loss for words! Chevy models have advanced leaps and bounds with advanced interior technologies, with fan-favorite features including:
- HomeLink® connectivity
- MyLink / Chevrolet Infotainment System
- Teen Driver Technology
- Programmable key fob
Chevrolet vehicles of today may look significantly different from those of the early years, but one thing has certainly remained the same: Chevrolet’s passion for engineering excellence.
FIND A NEW CHEVY AT TERRY LABONTE CHEVROLET!
When you’re ready to become a part of Chevrolet history, Terry Labonte Chevrolet is here to help you find your ideal car, truck, or SUV. Contact us with any additional questions or to set up an appointment, and be sure to check out our manufacturer information center for even more insight into the Chevy brand!