Who Founded Chevrolet?

The Chevrolet Motor Car Company was founded on November 3, 1911 in the city of Detroit, Michigan. But who founded Chevrolet? Chevrolet was co-founded by Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss race car driver and automotive engineer, and William C. Durant, the ousted founder of General Motors. The Chevrolet brand is one of the most popular and recognizable automotive brands in the United States. Still, many Raleigh-area drivers don’t know much at all about the history of this storied automaker. Read on to learn more about the impressive Chevrolet history from the experts at Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Southpoint.

When Was Chevrolet Founded?

Cary drivers wondering “When Was Chevrolet Founded?” can rest assured this iconic brand has a long-standing history. Louis Chevrolet and William Durant founded Chevy in 1911, however, it’s interesting to note that in 1918 Durant used the company to engineer a reverse merger with GM. This allowed Durant to reclaim his position as GM’s president. However, this didn’t last long. In 1919 he was ousted again, and the new president, Alfred Sloan, chose the Chevrolet brand to be the GM family leader in terms of volume of vehicles produced. The marketing campaign here was “a car for every purse and every purpose,” Chevrolet overtook Ford as the best selling car in the U.S. by 1929.

Where Was the First Chevrolet Factory?

The very first Chevrolet factory was located on the corner of Wilcox and Kearsley Street in Flint, Michigan, across the street from Kettering University. The location is currently known to locals as “Chevy Commons.”

What Was the First Chevy Model Produced?

The Series C Classic Six model, designed by Etienne Planche following specs drawn up by Louis Chevrolet was the first Chevy model ever produced. The first production of the Series C Classic Six model was proudly unveiled at the 1913 New York Auto Show.

Where Does the Chevy Logo Come From?

The iconic Chevrolet bowtie emblem was first used in 1914 on the H Series Baby Grand and Royal Mail models, and also on the Light Six L Series model. The origin of this logo is the subject of some debate. Some believe that William C. Durant got the design from wallpaper he saw in a French hotel room, while others say that it was based on the logo of the Coalettes coal company. Some even claim that the logo is a stylized version of the Swiss cross, a tribute to the Swiss heritage of Louis Chevrolet. Regardless of its origin, the Chevy bowtie logo is certainly considered a classic American icon.

Learn More From the Experts at Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Southpoint

Chevy’s “a car for every purse and every purpose” maxim is just as true for Chapel Hill drivers today as it was in 1919. Whether you’re looking for a wide selection of reasonably priced new Chevrolet models or you’re looking for a reliable used vehicle option, Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Southpoint has you covered. Explore our inventory online, plus check out our competitive new vehicle specials!