Company overview
Plymouth was a brand of automobiles produced by Chrysler Corporation and its successor DaimlerChrysler. It launched in 1928 to compete within the low-priced market segment, dominated by Chevrolet and Ford. Initially priced higher than competitors, Plymouth offered standard features like hydraulic brakes not found in other vehicles at the time. The brand was sold exclusively through Chrysler dealerships and focused on serving American and Canadian markets. During the Great Depression, Plymouth sales significantly contributed to Chrysler Corporation’s survival. In 1930, it became one of three brands sold by Chrysler (along with DeSoto and Dodge). The Plymouth Six, introduced in 1931, featured a flathead engine with innovative technology. By the mid-1930s, Plymouth continued to grow in popularity and sales, reaching number three among all cars by 1931. In the 1950s, Plymouth underwent a dramatic redesign by Virgil Exner, resulting in increased sales. The Fury model became a popular high-performance option with powerful V8 engines and distinctive styling. However, quality control issues in the early 1960s led to decreased sales and a shift towards smaller models like the Valiant. The Barracuda, introduced in 1964, marked Plymouth’s entry into the performance car market. By the 1970s, changing regulations and economic conditions led to a decline in sales. The Barracuda was discontinued in 1974, and the Plymouth brand was withdrawn from the marketplace in 2001.
