The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Business & Money›Automotive Brand›Mopar
Business & Money • Automotive Brand

Mopar

Mopar is the parts, service, and customer care brand associated with Chrysler-origin vehicles and, since 2021, Stellantis.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mopar is the parts, service, and customer care brand associated with Chrysler-origin vehicles and, since 2021, Stellantis. The name began as a contraction of "motor" and "parts" and was first used for antifreeze in 1937. In automotive enthusiast usage, "Mopar" also refers broadly to Chrysler-family vehicles and related performance culture.

History

Mopar originated within Chrysler in the 1930s and was first applied to antifreeze. Over time it expanded from a single product name into a wider brand for replacement parts, accessories, and service.

Brand meaning and usage

The term is a portmanteau of "motor" and "parts." Outside official branding, it is commonly used by automotive enthusiasts as shorthand for Chrysler-built vehicles and their associated performance scene.

Corporate ownership

Mopar began under Chrysler Corporation and later became part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles before moving under Stellantis after the 2021 merger.

Products and services

Mopar supplies original-equipment replacement parts, accessories, and customer service support for Stellantis vehicle brands, especially in North America.

Key facts

  • Mopar is an automotive parts and service brand, not a standalone car brand.
  • The name is a portmanteau of "motor" and "parts".
  • First used in 1937 on antifreeze products.
  • Now owned by Stellantis.
  • Enthusiasts use "Mopar" to refer to Chrysler-family vehicles, especially performance models.
🍁
Canadian context

Mopar has a Canadian relevance through FCA Canada/Stellantis Canada marketing, parts distribution, and the presence of Chrysler-family vehicles in the Canadian market.

Frequently asked questions

What does Mopar stand for?
It is a portmanteau of "motor" and "parts."
Is Mopar a car brand?
No. Mopar is a parts, accessories, service, and customer care brand.
When was Mopar first used?
It was first used in 1937 on Chrysler antifreeze products.
Who owns Mopar now?
Mopar is owned by Stellantis.
What vehicles are associated with Mopar?
It is associated mainly with Chrysler-family vehicles, including Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram, as well as some other Stellantis brands.
Why do car enthusiasts use the word Mopar?
They use it as a shorthand for Chrysler-origin vehicles and the culture around them, especially classic and performance models.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mopar
    Supports: Mopar as Chrysler-origin parts, service, and customer care division; ownership by Stellantis; enthusiast usage as shorthand for Chrysler vehicles.
  2. Mopar — https://blog.mopar.com/85-years-of-mopar/
    Supports: Origin of the name as a contraction of "motor" and "parts"; 1937 trademark use; evolution of the brand.
  3. PR Newswire — https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mopar-brand-evolution-over-80-years-300386135.html
    Supports: 1937 origin, initial antifreeze product, and evolution into parts, service, and customer care.
  4. FCA Canada — https://www.fcapresskit.ca/2013/contents/Press-Releases/07_Mopar/CN_2013_MP_Brand_OV.pdf
    Supports: Canadian corporate description of Mopar as authentic parts, accessories, service, and car care brand; trademark origin details.
  5. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/features/what-is-mopar
    Supports: Mopar as a Chrysler parts/accessories brand and enthusiast term; historical context and brand meaning.