Chrysler Marks Centennial
What’s now a Stellantis brand highlights its innovations over the decades.
The Chrysler Halcyon concept car is one of three company vehicles on display at the New York auto show to illustrate the automaker's past, present and future.
Stellantis North America
Chrysler, now known as Stellantis North America and one of the “big three” Detroit-area automakers, is kicking off its centennial celebration.
The company is showcasing its big anniversary at the New York International Auto Show, which starts this weekend. The three-vehicle display highlights several aspects of its history and future.
As it highlights 100 years of car-making, the company is emphasizing its innovations over the decades, including, perhaps most famously, the minivan, which it first produced in 1983. The list of creations also includes “Stow ‘n Go” seating for minivans’ second- and third-rows, and the Hemi V-8 engine.
“Chrysler holds a significant place in automotive history and culture and has been a symbol of innovation and resilience for 100 years,” said CEO Chris Feuell in a press release on centennial celebration plans.
The company’s New York auto show display will feature a 1924 Chrysler Six to showcase its “iconic” past, a 2025 Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivan to illustrate its trailblazing in that segment, and a Halcyon concept to point to its vision of “an all-electric future.”
The Six is the same vehicle Chrysler displayed at the 1925 National Automobile Show in New York that year.
“As one of the original Big Three, Chrysler contributed to industrial growth and influenced culture with iconic vehicles like the Chrysler 300. Chrysler is more than just a car brand, it’s a key part of the automotive industry.”
The automaker started out as Maxwell Motors before becoming Chrysler Corp. in June 1925, headed by Walter Chrysler.
The company will introduce a line of branded centennial merchandise, social media campaign including a video series, and hold other events throughout its anniversary year.
“Reaching 100 years is an accomplishment we want to both celebrate and use as an opportunity to declare our commitment to a future that honors Walter P. Chrysler’s legacy of innovation, engineering excellence and beautiful, affordable designs,” said Feuell, who teased a “bright” future in a “refreshed Chrysler Pacifica in 2026, a new crossover soon after and a third product inspired by the Halcyon concept.”
More Industry
China as Pacesetter
Automotive leaders huddled on where North America stands in the global picture and how it can strengthen its position against the Asian juggernaut’s surging industry.
Read More →
Find Efficiency in Fixed Ops
A new report shows how service departments can maximize their profitability through efficiency, productivity and the right tools in technicians' hands.
Read More →
Closing the Seat Gap
Mass-market brand vehicle seats are outpacing luxury versions when it comes to customer satisfaction, according JD Power research.
Read More →
Auto Industry Execs Talk Trade, Tariffs
Participants in a U.S.-Canada discussion tallied the costs and compiled a list of remedies, including preservation of the North American trade agreement that the U.S. recently declined to renew.
Read More →
Structure Leads to Optimized Auto Listings
As the average car-buying journey has shifted to a blend of digital and retail, a dealership’s vehicle listings must be optimized to answer shoppers’ questions clearly and accurately.
Read More →
Texas Dealerships Rebranded After Sale
The Norm Reeves group of stores had owned the three rooftops in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro area that now operate under a homegrown group’s signature.
Read More →
Positive Equity Reaches Record High
Mainstream vehicle owners who bought a car seven years ago are likely to have positive equity when trading in for a new vehicle, according to second-quarter Edmunds data.
Read More →
All on One Team
Since finance-and-insurance was added to the auto dealership, most stores’ F&I teams have been separated from sales like a car’s trunk is separated from the engine. It doesn’t have to – and shouldn’t – be that way.
Read More →
Auto Dealers Have Some Phone Homework
A midyear study found that stores can do a better job of converting both inbound and outbound calls into customer appointments for increased sales.
Read More →
Hyundai Ventures Aim for Deeper AI Dive
The automaker announced partnerships with several technology industry leaders to pursue an ambitious plan for integrating AI into its manufacturing and well beyond automotive.
Read More →