1947
As a gesture of gratitude for years of service as a personal accountant, Henry Ford awards Warren Germain a Mercury franchise. In 1947 The Germain Motor Company is born.
The History of GermainCars
In 1947, Henry Ford approached his personal accountant, Warren Germain, about opening one of the first Mercury dealerships in Ohio. Mr. Ford hoped to build the brand’s presence outside of Detroit, and Warren agreed to open Bexley Mercury on Main Street in Bexley, Ohio. More than 70 years and four generations of family leadership later, we’re proud to represent 14 iconic manufacturers with 16 stores throughout Ohio, Florida and Michigan.
View our company history throughout the years.
1969
Toyota Motor Corp. awards Germain one of its first North American franchises. The Main Street dealership in Bexley reopens in 1970 as Germain Toyota of Columbus.
1978
Germain enters the Naples, Florida market.
1985
The Columbus Zoo inquires about a pickup truck. Jack Hanna and Steve Germain hit it off, and a long-lasting partnership with the Columbus Zoo is born.
1989
Germain is awarded one of the nation’s first Lexus franchises, a key brand to the company’s success.
1995
In 1995 Steve Germain is named President and CEO as the third generation of Germain family leadership.
2006
Germain breaks ground on the Easton Luxury campus, which now houses Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, INFINITI, and Jaguar Land Rover Easton.
2012
Germain purchases the Howard Cooper family of dealerships in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
2014
Germain acquires Honda and Ford of Beavercreek, marking expansion into a fourth market.