Chrysler Key Stats
Chrysler stands as one of the most storied names in American automotive history. Walter P. Chrysler founded the company in 1925 after reorganizing the struggling Maxwell Motor Company.
The brand quickly became known for engineering innovation and affordable luxury. Today, Chrysler operates as a subsidiary of Stellantis, the multinational automotive conglomerate formed through the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France’s PSA Group.
Chrysler produces vehicles under several nameplates and remains headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The company has weathered multiple ownership changes, bankruptcies, and market shifts throughout its century-long existence.
Chrysler History Timeline
Chrysler Co-founders
Chrysler Competitors
Chrysler competes in a global automotive market dominated by large multinational manufacturers. The company faces pressure from both traditional American rivals and international brands.
Within the United States, General Motors and Ford Motor Company remain the primary domestic competitors. These three companies formed the historic Big Three American automakers.
| Competitor | Headquarters | Key Brands |
|---|---|---|
| General Motors | Detroit, USA | Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick |
| Ford Motor Company | Dearborn, USA | Ford, Lincoln |
| Toyota Motor Corporation | Toyota City, Japan | Toyota, Lexus |
| Volkswagen Group | Wolfsburg, Germany | VW, Audi, Porsche |
| Honda Motor Company | Tokyo, Japan | Honda, Acura |
| Hyundai Motor Group | Seoul, South Korea | Hyundai, Kia, Genesis |
| Mercedes-Benz Group | Stuttgart, Germany | Mercedes-Benz, Smart |
| BMW Group | Munich, Germany | BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce |
| Nissan Motor Corporation | Yokohama, Japan | Nissan, Infiniti |
| Tesla | Austin, USA | Tesla |
Chrysler Revenue
Chrysler’s revenue is reported as part of Stellantis North America operations. The parent company Stellantis generated approximately $157 billion in 2024 revenue, with North America contributing the largest share.
Revenue declined 17% in 2024 compared to record highs in 2023. The Toyota Group and Volkswagen Group rank among the top global revenue generators in the automotive sector.
Chrysler Stellantis Market Cap
Chrysler operates under Stellantis, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker STLA. The market capitalization fluctuated significantly over the past decade due to mergers and market conditions.
As of late 2025, Stellantis holds a market cap of approximately $28 billion. This compares to competitors like Mercedes-Benz Group and BMW Group in the global automotive landscape.
Chrysler Acquisitions
Chrysler built its automotive empire through strategic acquisitions spanning nearly a century. The 1928 purchase of Dodge Brothers Company marked the first major expansion. This deal gave Chrysler access to Dodge’s manufacturing facilities and dealer network.
That same year, Chrysler created the Plymouth brand for budget-conscious buyers and DeSoto for the mid-price market. These moves positioned Chrysler to compete directly with General Motors across multiple price segments.
The 1987 acquisition of American Motors Corporation transformed Chrysler’s product portfolio. The $1.5 billion deal brought Jeep under Chrysler’s control. Jeep proved immensely profitable and soon accounted for more than a third of company profits.
Chrysler also gained AMC’s engineering talent, including François Castaing, who revolutionized Chrysler’s product development process. The Bramalea, Ontario manufacturing plant came with the deal and produced vehicles for the Canadian market.
Italian sports car maker Lamborghini became a Chrysler property in 1987 as well. Lee Iacocca drove this $25 million acquisition to add prestige to the portfolio. Chrysler later sold Lamborghini to the Volkswagen Group in 1998.
The Eagle brand emerged from the AMC acquisition to market vehicles through former AMC dealers. Diamond-Star Motors, a joint venture with Mitsubishi, expanded production capacity during this growth period.
Chrysler’s own journey as an acquisition target began with the 1998 DaimlerChrysler merger. Cerberus Capital Management purchased an 80.1% stake in 2007 before the 2009 bankruptcy. Fiat gradually increased ownership from 2009 until completing full acquisition in 2014.
FAQs
Who founded Chrysler and when was the company established?
Walter P. Chrysler founded Chrysler Corporation on June 6, 1925. He reorganized the failing Maxwell Motor Company into a new automotive enterprise headquartered in Detroit.
Who currently owns Chrysler?
Stellantis N.V. owns Chrysler as a wholly owned subsidiary. Stellantis formed through the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group.
When did Chrysler acquire Jeep?
Chrysler acquired Jeep in 1987 through its purchase of American Motors Corporation. The deal valued between $1.5 billion and $2 billion brought Jeep under Chrysler control.
Did Chrysler go bankrupt?
Chrysler filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 30, 2009, during the financial crisis. The company emerged from bankruptcy on June 10, 2009, with Fiat acquiring an initial stake.
What vehicles does Chrysler currently produce?
Chrysler currently produces the Pacifica minivan and its hybrid variant. The brand focuses on family-oriented vehicles under the Stellantis portfolio alongside Jeep, Dodge, and Ram.