Northern Ontario’s premier automotive group, the Palladino Auto Group, recently announced the acquisition of Doyle Dodge.
The country’s oldest Chrysler dealership has a rich history of serving the Greater Sudbury community. The dealership was founded over a century ago in 1921 by British immigrant Percy Gardner; at the time it was known as Gardner Motors.
Sudbury lumber baron William Joseph Bell had hired Gardner to look after his horses. Soon he sent him to Detroit on a six-week course, followed by two weeks in Toronto, to learn everything he could about cars. The goal was to have Gardner serve as his private driver.
In just five years, Gardner had built a three-level, 30,000 sq ft dealership that was interconnected by an internal ramp system. The main level was made up of the sales and service departments, along with administration. The basement is where the mechanical shop was located and the upper floor housed the paint and body shop. White Rose gas was pumped from a covered breezeway attached to the dealership.
Gardner had been joined in the business by his two brothers, Harold and Stan. After one died and he bought out the second, he let his son Bill take over in the 1960s. Unfortunately Bill passed away in 1986 after a short illness, and Mike Doyle, who had been working at the dealership since he was a 15-year old high school student, took over.
Doyle spent 26 years as the Dealer Principal, then eventually sold the dealership to his son Brian Doyle and partner Blake Didone. Brian and Blake have operated the business since, growing Doyle Dodge into the success story it is today.
This acquisition reinforces the Palladino Auto Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional service; it also expands their presence in the Greater Sudbury area.
“We are delighted to welcome Doyle Dodge to the Palladino Auto Group family,” says 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.”
“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.”
The Palladino name was established in the automotive industry nearly 50 years ago by
Vince “Vip” Palladino, who became a Honda dealer in Sudbury in 1975. His son Vince 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 the province: Sudbury, North Bay, and Toronto.
The group is well-known for its retail integrity, superior customer service, and outstanding community engagement. They have now donated over $1,000,000 to the Northeastern Ontario Children’s Hospital in Sudbury which services over 500,000 residents. 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 will retain both 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 8:00 am–7:00 pm, and Wednesday and Friday 8:00 am–6:00 pm. The sales department is open 9:00 am–5:00 pm on Saturdays.
For more information, visit www.DoyleDodge.com or call 705-523-1101.