The milestone event will include distinguished guests and a Camaro giveaway contest.
On September 22, Roy Nichols Motors Chevrolet in Courtice, Ont., will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. One hundred years in business is a very impressive feat and naturally, the dealership will take the opportunity to host one fantastic celebration.
In 1922, when Roy Nichols was just 22 years of age, he started his own service station where he served gasoline and fixed the growing number of cars then starting to populate the roadways. Just over a decade later, in 1933, Nichols was able to obtain a sales franchise from Willy Whippet and began retailing General Motors of Canada vehicles. Three years later, Roy Nichols Motors was selling more than 700 cars annually.
Family legacy
Although Roy Nichols passed away in 1969, that legacy of putting customers first continues to this day and the operation is still a family business. Nichols passed on ownership of the dealership to his nephews Fred and Roy Owen and they, in turn, handed the reins to their nephew and current Dealer Principal, Robert Owen, in 1994. Since then, the business has continued to grow and expand. In 2011, the dealership was renovated and expanded from 18,000 to over 36,000 square feet.
In anticipation of September’s special anniversary, Roy Nichols Chevrolet General Manager, Gary Dalby, says “We are excited to have achieved 100 years in business and to continue to serve our community indefinitely! We are overwhelmed with thanks to all those who have supported us over the years and continue to do so. We would not be here for 100 years and counting without our loyal clients!”
The special 100th-anniversary event will include appearances by local dignitaries, as well as representatives from General Motors of Canada, the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA), and the Clarington Board of Trade (CBOT).
Camaro giveaway
Additionally, the dealership will be giving away a 2022 Chevrolet Camaro as part of the anniversary event. “No purchase is necessary,” explains Dalby. “Anyone can stop in and fill out a ballot even if they have never walked through our doors previously. We have never done anything like this before!”
The dealership is also been holding monthly service draws to customers that have service work done in that month. “We’ve given away a Cuisinart Barbeque and gave away a $1,000.00 gift certificate to Great Wolf Lodge in August,” says Dalby.
Look for more coverage on Roy Nichols Motors’ 100th Anniversary on Autosphere.ca in September.