Sudbury, Ontario – The Palladino Auto Group, Northern Ontario’s premier automotive group is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Doyle Dodge, Canada’s oldest Chrysler dealership.
This acquisition represents a significant milestone for Vince Palladino and the Palladino Auto Group, and reinforces their commitment to delivering exceptional service and expanding their presence in the Greater Sudbury area. “We are delighted to welcome Doyle Dodge to the Palladino Auto Group family,” said Vince Palladino, President and CEO of the Palladino Auto Group. “Doyle Dodge’s longstanding reputation for excellence and customer service aligns seamlessly with our core values and vision.”
Doyle Dodge has a rich history of serving the Greater Sudbury community. Gardner Motors, the original name of the dealership, was founded in 1921 by British immigrant Percy Gardner. He had been hired by Sudbury lumber baron William Joseph Bell to look after his horses but after a short time, Bell sent Gardner on a six-week course to Detroit, Michigan followed by two weeks in Toronto, to learn everything about cars so he could become his private driver. Within five years, he built a three-level, 30,000 square foot dealership interconnected by an internal ramp system. The sales and service departments along with administration made up the main level, the mechanical shop was on the basement level and a paint and body shop was on the upper floor. They also had White Rose gas pumped from a covered breezeway which was attached to the dealership. Gardner had been joined by his two brothers Harold and Stan but after one died and he bought out the second, he let his son Bill take over in the 1960s. When Bill Gardner passed away after a short illness in 1986, Mike Doyle took over the dealership where he had been working since he was a 15-year old high school student. Mike Doyle spent 26 years as the Dealer Principal eventually selling to his son Brian Doyle and partner Blake Didone. Blake and Brian have operated the business since then and grown Doyle Dodge into the present-day success story.
“As Canada’s oldest Chrysler dealership, they have established a strong reputation for excellence in customer service, integrity and community involvement over the last 103 years of operation. We are excited to build upon the legacy of Doyle Dodge and continue providing outstanding service to our customers in Sudbury and beyond,” added Palladino.
The Palladino name was established in the automotive industry nearly 50 years ago by Vince “Vip” Palladino who became a Honda dealer in Sudbury, Ontario in 1975. His son Vince Palladino took over Palladino Honda in 2000. The Palladino Auto Group owns and operates seven automotive dealerships and one Power sports franchise in three cities throughout Ontario. The Palladino Auto Group manages dealerships in Sudbury, North Bay, and Toronto. The group is well-known for its retail integrity, superior customer service, and outstanding community engagement. The Palladino Auto Group has now donated over $1,000,000 to the Northeastern Ontario Children’s Hospital in Sudbury which services over 500,000 residents in Northeastern Ontario. The organization’s core values of dedication to exemplary service, a loyal team of committed staff and investing in the communities in which they serve have stood the test of time.
Under the ownership of the Palladino Auto Group, Doyle Dodge is retaining its name and personnel. Customers can expect a seamless transition, with continued access to the same high-quality vehicles and customer service that they have come to expect from the Doyle Dodge team.
Northern Ontario’s largest Ram volume dealership, Doyle Dodge is located at 2555 Regent Street in Sudbury, and is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:00am – 7:00pm, and Wednesday and Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm. The sales department is open 9:00am – 5:00pm on Saturdays.
For more information, visit http://www.doyledodge.com or call 705-523-1101.
In the photo previous owners Blake Didone (left) and Brian Doyle joined by new owner Vince Palladino with his father Vip Palladino (far right).
