THE HERITAGE OF THE DODGE BRAND 1900s – John and Horace Dodge form an agreement with Henry Ford to produce most mechanical parts for the new Ford automobile. 1910s – The first Dodge passenger car ‘Old Betsey’, leaves the production line. Bowing to public pressure Dodge builds a truck. 1920s – Dodge introduces the closed, all-steel car. Dodge becomes the first US car maker to open the European plant. 1930s – Cars sent in kit to Europe for assembly locally. Dodge trucks become popular in Europe. 1940s – Dodge introduces a Hemi V-8 engine. 1960s – One piece unibody Dart car introduced. Dodge technology still progressing –swiveling truck drivers seats and self-adjusting brakes introduced. 1970s – Dodge links up with Mitsubishi to sell the Colt small car. Phenomenally successful front-wheel drive Dodge Omni hatchback is launched. 1980s – Dodge Rampage, the first front-wheel drive pick-up is launched. Customers demand the Dodge Viper concept for production. Dodge minivan, the Caravan, is launched in the US. 1990s – The Dodge Dakota convertible, the first soft-top pick-up, is launched. The Ram sports package for customized pick-up fans is announced. Dodge Viper is successfully launched. 2000s - The Intrepid and later the Dodge Charger register record sales in 2004.