Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant co-founded the Chevrolet Motor Car Company on November 3, 1911 in Detroit. Louis Chevrolet was a Swiss race car driver and automotive engineer, while William C. Durant was the founder of General Motors who had been ousted during a financial crisis in 1911. Learn more about Chevrolet history here at Genesis Chevrolet near Roseville.

When Was Chevrolet Founded?

Chevrolet was founded in 1911–the same year that the first Indianapolis-500 race took place, and the same year that Orville Wright set another world record in flight. Learn more about the early history of Chevrolet below:

• In 1918, Durant orchestrated a reverse merger with Chevrolet and GM to regain his GM presidency.
• In 1919, Durant was ousted again, and the new president, Alfred Sloan, chose the Chevrolet brand to be the volume leader in the GM family. The philosophy for Chevrolet became, “a car for every purse and every purpose,”
• By 1929, Chevrolet overtook Ford as the best-selling car in the U.S.

Where Was the First Chevrolet Factory?

The first Chevrolet factory was located in Flint, Michigan, at the corner of Wilcox and Kearsley Street, right across from Kettering University. This site is now known as “Chevy Commons.”

What Was the First Chevy Model Produced?

The first Chevrolet vehicle produced was the Series C Classic Six, designed by Etienne Planche following specs drawn up by Louis Chevrolet. This first production model debuted at the 1913 New York Auto Show.

Where Does the Chevy Logo Come From?

The Chevy logo was first used in 1914 on the H Series Baby Grand and Royal Mail models, as well as on the Light Six L Series model. Called the Chevrolet bowtie emblem, the Chevy logo resembles an italicized plus sign. But where did the inspiration for the Chevy bowtie design come from? There are several conflicting theories on this subject:

• William C. Durant got the design from wallpaper he saw in a French hotel room.
• It was based on the logo of the Coalettes coal company.
• It is a stylized version of the Swiss cross, honoring the heritage of Louis Chevrolet.

Regardless of its origins, it has been solidified in history as an American icon.

Experience Current Chevy Models at Genesis Chevrolet

Chevy’s “a car for every purse and every purpose” maxim is as true today as it was in 1919. Whether you want a versatile SUV like the Equinox, a world-class sports car like the Camaro, or a rugged pickup like the Silverado, there’s a Chevy model that will suit your needs and budget. Contact us online at Genesis Chevrolet if you have any questions or to schedule a test drive near Roseville and St. Clair Shores!