Chevrolet

Corporate brand

An American mainstream automobile brand and division of General Motors, producing passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, SUVs, electric vehicles and performance cars.

Last updated November 2, 2026

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Overview

Chevrolet is an American automobile brand operated by General Motors (GM). It was established in 1911 by Swiss-born racing driver and engineer Louis Chevrolet, his brother Arthur Chevrolet, former GM chief executive William C. Durant and several investment partners. Durant used the new company as part of his effort to regain control of General Motors, and Chevrolet was absorbed into GM after Durant reacquired a controlling interest in 1918. Louis Chevrolet subsequently sold his stake after disagreements with Durant over the direction and design of the business. From its earliest years, Chevrolet was positioned as a high-volume alternative to more expensive automobiles. Its first production model, the Series C Classic Six, was relatively costly, but the company soon broadened its range with less expensive cars such as the Series 490. Under GM president Alfred P. Sloan and operating executive William S. Knudsen, Chevrolet became the corporation’s principal mainstream volume marque. Its central role in GM’s portfolio was to compete with Ford and, later, with Plymouth and other mass-market manufacturers by offering a broad range of cars and commercial vehicles at accessible prices. Chevrolet’s engineering and product identity developed through several important technologies and nameplates. The brand adopted overhead-valve engines early, introduced the Stovebolt six-cylinder engine in the late 1920s, and launched the small-block V8 in 1955. The small-block V8 became one of the most influential long-running engine architectures in the automotive industry and powered numerous Chevrolet passenger cars, trucks and performance models. The Corvette, introduced in 1953, established a durable sports-car identity, while the Bel Air, Impala, Chevelle, Nova, Camaro, Silverado and Suburban helped Chevrolet cover family, utility and performance segments. The brand has repeatedly adapted to changes in consumer demand. During the 1960s it entered the compact-car market with the rear-engined Corvair. In the 1970s and 1980s it expanded into smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles, sometimes through international partnerships and rebadged products. During the 1990s and 2000s, trucks, sport-utility vehicles and crossovers became increasingly important, while the brand continued to sell sedans, coupes and minivans. Chevrolet also became a major GM outlet for electrification through the Volt plug-in hybrid and Bolt EV battery-electric car. Chevrolet is positioned by GM as its mainstream global vehicle brand, below Buick and GMC in much of the corporation’s hierarchy and below Cadillac’s luxury positioning. Its offerings have included subcompact and compact cars, midsize and full-size sedans, pickup trucks, commercial trucks, SUVs, crossovers, sports cars, electric vehicles and performance derivatives. Chevrolet vehicles are sold in many markets, although the portfolio and distribution model vary by country. GM withdrew most Chevrolet passenger-car activity from Western Europe beginning in the mid-2010s while retaining limited availability of models such as Corvette and Camaro in some markets; Chevrolet continued in other regions, including North America and selected CIS, Asian, Middle Eastern, South American and Oceania markets. The brand remains active under General Motors, with trucks, SUVs, performance vehicles and electrified products forming important parts of its present identity.

History

Chevrolet originated in the industrial and automotive environment of Flint, Michigan. William C. Durant, who had founded General Motors and had employed Louis Chevrolet as a racing driver for Buick promotional activities, sought to use Chevrolet’s public reputation and engineering credentials in a new automobile venture after Durant’s removal from GM management. Louis Chevrolet, Arthur Chevrolet and Durant, together with several business and investment partners, incorporated the Chevrolet Motor Car Company in November 1911. The company’s first production model was the 1913 Series C Classic Six, designed by Etienne Planche under Louis Chevrolet’s direction. It used advanced-for-its-market overhead-valve engineering associated with Buick practice, although its price placed it above the eventual volume market. The company’s commercial direction soon diverged from Louis Chevrolet’s preferences. Durant favored vehicles that could compete directly with Ford on price and volume, while Louis Chevrolet was more interested in engineering and performance. Louis sold his interest to Durant in 1914. Chevrolet’s lower-priced Series 490 helped make the company profitable, enabling Durant to acquire a controlling interest in General Motors through a reverse merger in 1918. Chevrolet then became a separate GM division rather than an independent manufacturer. After Durant’s second removal from GM, Alfred P. Sloan retained Chevrolet and assigned it the role of GM’s principal volume brand. Chevrolet was expected to provide a car for the mass market while Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac and later GMC occupied different positions in the corporation’s product hierarchy. During the 1920s Chevrolet strengthened its competitive position against Ford by introducing the overhead-valve Stovebolt six-cylinder engine. The company competed in the low-priced segment with Ford and, after 1928, Plymouth. Chevrolet introduced a number of passenger-car styles through the 1930s and 1940s, including the Standard Six, Master and Deluxe lines. The brand also developed truck operations and used GM’s manufacturing and overseas assembly network to distribute vehicles internationally. Its bowtie emblem, first used on production vehicles in 1914, became one of the most recognizable symbols in the automotive industry. The postwar period established several of Chevrolet’s enduring identities. The Corvette debuted in 1953 as a two-seat sports car with a fiberglass body. Chevrolet introduced its small-block V8 in 1955, creating an engine family that became central to the brand’s passenger cars, trucks and performance models. Fuel injection was offered on selected Chevrolet models in 1957. In the 1960s, the brand expanded across compact, intermediate and full-size segments with vehicles such as the Corvair, Impala, Chevelle, Nova and Monte Carlo. The Camaro, introduced for the 1967 model year, gave Chevrolet a direct competitor to Ford’s Mustang and became a major performance nameplate. The oil crises and the growth of imported compact vehicles forced Chevrolet to adjust during the 1970s and 1980s. The Vega and Chevette addressed the small-car market, while international arrangements produced Chevrolet versions of vehicles sourced from Suzuki, Isuzu and other GM partners. The front-wheel-drive Citation, Cavalier and Celebrity reflected the industry’s shift toward transverse-engine compact and midsize platforms. In later decades, Chevrolet increasingly relied on pickup trucks, sport-utility vehicles and crossovers, including the Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Trailblazer and Traverse. Some earlier passenger-car nameplates, including Impala, were eventually discontinued as consumer demand moved away from traditional sedans. GM’s 2005 relaunch of Chevrolet in Europe used vehicles largely derived from GM Korea products and was part of a strategy to make Chevrolet a global mainstream marque. GM later reversed that strategy for most Western European markets, announcing a withdrawal beginning in 2016 while maintaining selected performance models and other regional operations. Chevrolet remained active in North America and many other global markets, with regional product and distribution differences. The brand also survived GM’s 2009 bankruptcy restructuring, while Pontiac, Saturn and other GM marques were discontinued or divested. Electrification became increasingly prominent in the 2010s. The Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid entered production in 2010 and was marketed in Europe through related Opel and Vauxhall products. The Volt received major industry awards and became one of the leading plug-in hybrid vehicles of its period. Chevrolet began Bolt EV production in 2016 and later added the Bolt EUV. These vehicles complemented rather than immediately replaced Chevrolet’s large truck and SUV business. In the 2020s, Chevrolet’s portfolio continued to center on Silverado pickups, full-size SUVs, Corvette and other performance products, while the brand expanded electric versions of selected trucks and SUVs. Chevrolet remains a GM division rather than a separately listed company.

2021
Bolt battery recall expanded
[2]Chevrolet Bolten.wikipedia.org
GM expands a recall and battery-replacement response for Bolt vehicles over potential battery-fire risks.
2016
Bolt EV production begins
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
Chevrolet begins production of the Bolt EV battery-electric vehicle.
2010
Volt production begins
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
Chevrolet begins production of the Volt plug-in hybrid.
2005
Chevrolet relaunched in Europe
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
GM reintroduces Chevrolet in Europe using vehicles largely sourced from GM Korea.
1967
Camaro launched
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
Chevrolet introduces the Camaro as a compact performance coupe competing with Ford’s Mustang.
1955
Small-block V8 introduced
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
Chevrolet introduces the small-block V8 architecture that becomes a long-running foundation for passenger and performance vehicles.
1953
Corvette introduced
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
Chevrolet launches the Corvette two-seat sports car with a fiberglass body.
1929
Stovebolt six-cylinder engine introduced
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
Chevrolet introduces an overhead-valve inline-six engine that strengthens its competition with Ford.
1918
Chevrolet joins General Motors
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
Durant uses Chevrolet in a reverse merger to regain control of GM, and Chevrolet becomes a GM division.
1914
Bowtie emblem appears
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
Chevrolet begins using its bowtie emblem on production models.
1913
Series C Classic Six enters production
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
The first production Chevrolet model, the Series C Classic Six, is introduced for the 1913 model year.
1911
Chevrolet Motor Car Company is established
[1]Chevroleten.wikipedia.org
Louis Chevrolet, Arthur Chevrolet, William C. Durant and partners establish the Chevrolet Motor Car Company in Michigan.

Products and positioning

Mainstream, broad-range automobile brand offering practical vehicles, trucks, utility models, performance cars and increasingly electrified products at mass-market positioning within the General Motors portfolio.

Sports car · 1953
Corvette
Chevrolet’s flagship sports-car line, introduced in 1953 as a two-seat fiberglass-bodied model. Corvette developed into a globally recognized performance marque within Chevrolet, combining high-output engines, rear- or mid-engine layouts in later generations, and extensive motorsport and enthusiast significance.
Performance car · 1967
Camaro
A compact performance coupe and convertible introduced for the 1967 model year to compete with Ford Mustang. Camaro became one of Chevrolet’s principal performance nameplates, with successive generations offering mainstream and high-performance variants.
Pickup truck · 1998
Silverado
Chevrolet’s principal full-size pickup-truck line, positioned for personal, commercial and heavy-duty use. Silverado variants span light-duty, heavy-duty and electric configurations and form a central part of the brand’s North American business.
Full-size SUV · 1935
Suburban
A large Chevrolet utility vehicle offering three-row seating and substantial cargo capacity. The Suburban is among the brand’s longest-running nameplates and serves family, fleet and commercial users alongside the closely related Tahoe.
Full-size SUV · 1994
Tahoe
A body-on-frame full-size SUV positioned below or alongside the larger Suburban depending on market and generation. Tahoe combines truck-derived capability with passenger seating and has been an important Chevrolet utility product.
Plug-in hybrid vehicle · 2010
Volt
A plug-in hybrid launched by Chevrolet around 2010 using a battery-electric drive system supported by an internal-combustion range-extending system. The Volt became one of the most prominent early mass-market plug-in hybrids and was sold in related forms in Europe.
Battery-electric vehicle · 2016
Bolt EV
A compact battery-electric hatchback introduced for comparatively broad consumer access. The Bolt EV was followed by the related Bolt EUV and became an important Chevrolet electric nameplate before production was scheduled to end in the mid-2020s.
Passenger car · 1958
Impala
A historically important Chevrolet passenger-car line that became one of the best-known American full-size nameplates. A front-wheel-drive sedan revival began in 2000, with the final generation produced through 2020 as sedan demand declined.

Controversies

2026
Stellantis reinforces Takata airbag recall campaign in South Africa
Stellantis SA reinforced its Takata airbag recall campaign in South Africa, continuing a Stop-Drive safety warning for selected Citroën, DS, Chrysler, Jeep, Opel, Peugeot and Chevrolet models. The company urged owners of unrepaired vehicles to stop driving and arrange a free repair.
Source
2026
General Motors recalls Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 over tire pressure label error
General Motors is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package because the tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires and preventing the TPMS from displaying a low tire pressure warning. The recall potentially affects eight vehicles; dealers will inspect, update the ECM software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a TPMS re-learn process as necessary.
Source
2026
Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Telematics Software Recall
General Motors recalled the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon to address a telematics control unit glitch. The remedy is a software update that requires approximately one hour of dealer labor and no new parts. The update program is scheduled to run until August 28, 2028. According to the source, this marks the second time the system has required the same fix.
Source
2026
GM recalls Chevrolet Malibu vehicles over rearview camera issue
General Motors is recalling 276,879 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles from model years 2023 to 2025 because the rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image. According to the recall information, dealers will inspect the camera and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall covers the affected Malibu vehicles within the stated model-year range.
Source
2021
Chevrolet Bolt EV battery software recall
In April 2021, General Motors announced a recall of approximately 69,000 Chevrolet Bolt EVs from model years 2017–2019 that were equipped with batteries produced at LG Energy Solution's South Korean factory. The planned recall involved installing diagnostic software and, where necessary, replacing battery module assemblies in order to address fire risks. The announcement identified the affected vehicles by model year and battery source, and described the software and potential hardware remedy as the measures intended to respond to the fire-risk concern.
Source
2021
GM recalls 410,019 Chevrolet and GMC trucks over airbags
General Motors announced the recall of 410,019 model-year 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks because their side airbags were not safe for passengers. According to the report, the inflator end cap can detach, and three ruptures occurred the previous month. The recall covers the specified number of vehicles from the two model years.
Source
2021
GM recall covers vehicles with faulty air-bag warning light
In 2021, the U.S. government's highway safety agency approved General Motors' request to recall 285,622 vehicles across specified 2021 models. The recall was prompted by a software issue that could cause the air-bag warning light to operate inconsistently. GM stated that it would update the vehicles' software free of charge. The action followed the agency's approval of GM's recall request.
Source
2021
Chevrolet identifies Chevy Bolt battery-fire cause and repair
Chevrolet announced that it had identified the root cause of Chevy Bolt battery fires and that technicians could fix the problem. The article reported that parts were not yet sufficiently available and drivers would have to wait until mid-October for new parts.
Source
2021
General Motors recalls vehicles over fuel-pump control-module issue
General Motors recalled 14,901 vehicles because the power control module may cause the fuel pump to operate intermittently or fail. The article identifies the affected models as the 2021 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Escalade. The control module was to be replaced by authorized retailers at no cost, and customers were to be notified on November 8.
Source
2021
General Motors recalls about 34,000 vehicles over rear toe-link corrosion risk
General Motors is recalling about 34,000 vehicles because of a possible rear toe-link issue. The recall affects 2013 Buick LaCrosse, Buick Regal and Chevrolet Malibu models sold in listed US states and Washington, DC. The article says no crashes or injuries related to the recall had been reported; local dealerships will replace the affected parts free of charge when parts become available.
Source

Brand decisions

2021
Expanded Bolt battery recall responseOther
Background
Reports identified a potential fire risk associated with high-voltage battery packs in certain Bolt vehicles.
Action taken
GM expanded the recall and arranged battery replacement measures with its supplier.
Aftermath
The response increased scrutiny of the Bolt program and its battery-supply and quality-control processes.
Source
2016
Launch of the Bolt EVProduct launch
Background
Chevrolet aimed to offer a longer-range battery-electric vehicle at a comparatively accessible price.
Action taken
GM began production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Aftermath
The Bolt became a significant Chevrolet electric model, later joined by the Bolt EUV, though battery recalls affected the vehicle program.
Source
2010
Launch of the Volt plug-in hybridProduct launch
Background
GM sought to expand electrification and improve fuel efficiency during and after the global financial crisis.
Action taken
Chevrolet introduced the Volt plug-in hybrid, with related Opel and Vauxhall versions in Europe.
Aftermath
The Volt became one of the leading plug-in hybrid vehicles of its period and established Chevrolet as an early mass-market electrification participant.
Source
2005
Global Chevrolet expansion in EuropeStrategy
Background
GM sought to develop Chevrolet as a worldwide mainstream value brand using products from GM Korea.
Action taken
Chevrolet was relaunched in European markets with rebadged and regionally adapted vehicles.
Aftermath
GM later announced withdrawal from most Western European markets, while selected models and other regional operations continued.
Source
1918
Integration into General MotorsM&A
Background
William C. Durant used Chevrolet to acquire a controlling interest in General Motors after previously leaving the company.
Action taken
Chevrolet was merged into GM while retaining a distinct divisional identity.
Aftermath
The brand became GM’s mainstream volume division and remained central to the corporation’s multi-brand strategy.
Source

Recent events

Unconfirmed
GM recalls Chevrolet Malibu vehicles over rearview camera issue[9]GM recalls Chevrolet Malibu vehicles over rearview camera issuemotor1.com
Reported: 2026-10-17
GM is recalling 276,879 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles from model years 2023 to 2025 because the rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image. Dealers will inspect the camera and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
Unconfirmed
GM announces new software experience for Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks featuring updated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto[39]通用汽车为雪佛兰Silverado和GMC Sierra皮卡发布新软件体验，更新Apple CarPlay与Android Auto界面theverge.com
Reported: 2026-09-21
GM announced a new software experience for its upcoming Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, including a new picture-in-picture look for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the vehicles' infotainment systems. GM stated the design aims to avoid customers having to choose between phone projection and the native system.
Unconfirmed
General Motors recalls Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 over tire pressure label error[6]General Motors recalls Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 over tire pressure label errorfleetowner.com
Reported: 2026-08-25
General Motors is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package because the tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires and preventing the TPMS from displaying a low tire pressure warning. The recall potentially affects eight vehicles; dealers will inspect, update the ECM software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a TPMS re-learn process as necessary.
Unconfirmed
GM recalls 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon for telematics software fix[7]Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Telematics Software Recalltorquenews.com
Reported: 2026-08-20
General Motors is recalling the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon to fix a telematics control unit glitch via a software update requiring about an hour of dealer labor, with no new parts needed. The update program runs until August 28, 2028. It is the second time this system has required the same fix.
Unconfirmed
Stellantis reinforces Takata airbag recall campaign in South Africa[5]Stellantis reinforces Takata airbag recall campaign in South Africatheherald.co.za
Reported: 2026-01-05
Stellantis SA is reinforcing its Takata airbag recall campaign in South Africa, continuing a Stop-Drive safety warning for selected Citroën, DS, Chrysler, Jeep, Opel, Peugeot and Chevrolet models, and urging owners of unrepaired vehicles to stop driving and arrange a free repair.
2022-01-05
GM unveils Chevrolet Silverado EV[40]通用汽车发布雪佛兰Silverado EVnbcconnecticut.com
Reported: 2022-01-05
GM unveiled the Chevrolet Silverado EV and said it planned to offer a work-truck model and a higher-priced RST limited first edition in 2023. The RST edition became available for customer reservations on the announcement day; the work truck was planned for fleet buyers first.
2021-12-13
Chevrolet pauses Corvette production after plant fire[41]工厂火灾后 Chevrolet 暂停 Corvette 生产roadandtrack.com
Reported: 2021-12-13
Chevrolet announced a production pause for its Corvette sports car for the week of December 13 to repair damage from a fire at its Bowling Green assembly plant. The fire was caused by a tornado; production was expected to restart on December 20, but GM had not confirmed that date.
2021-11-08
SAIC-GM announces an in-vehicle connectivity system upgrade[42]上汽通用宣布车载互联系统升级计划workercn.cn
Reported: 2021-11-08
SAIC-GM announced a phased upgrade, starting in mid-to-late November, of the in-vehicle connectivity systems in selected vehicles across 19 model lines and three brands, covering 900,000 vehicles. The upgrade includes improvements to features and the user interface.
Unconfirmed
Chevrolet provides vehicles to Korea Animal Rights Advocates[43]雪佛兰向韩国动物权利倡导组织提供车辆thenewswheel.com
Reported: 2021-11-01
Chevrolet provided several Trailblazers to Korea Animal Rights Advocates for its fleet; the article says the vehicles help transport rescued animals to medical facilities and potential adoptive families.
Unconfirmed
Chevrolet unveils Corvette C8 Z06[44]雪佛兰发布全新科尔维特C8 Z06donews.com
Chevrolet unveiled the new Corvette C8 Z06, which retains the standard model's basic design with some detail changes and is equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 engine.

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