Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care
| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive maintenance |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Founder | Richard Silva |
| Headquarters | Horsham, Pennsylvania , United States |
Area served | North America |
Key people | Randy Wright (President), Derik Beck (Vice President of Digital Marketing) |
| Products | Transmission repair and general auto care |
| Owner | American Capital |
| Parent | American Driveline Systems, Inc. |
Overview
Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care operates as a franchised and company-owned network specializing in transmission repairs and comprehensive automotive services, with its headquarters situated in Horsham, Pennsylvania. As of 2020, the enterprise maintains 52 service centers across 23 states within the United States and Canada. Ownership lies with American Capital, while American Driveline Systems, Inc. serves as the parent organization. The company was established in 1962 by Richard Silva.
Corporate Details
- Type: Private company
- Industry: Automotive maintenance
- Founder: Richard Silva
- Headquarters: 201 Gibraltar Road, Horsham, PA, United States
- Number of locations: 52
- Area served: North America
- Key executives:
- Randy Wright, President
- Derik Beck, Vice President of Digital Marketing
- Parent company: American Driveline Systems, Inc.
- Owner: American Capital
- Services offered: Transmission repair and general auto care
Company Background
Since its inception in 1962 by Richard Silva, Cottman has grown into a prominent name within the automotive repair franchise sector. The firm’s network spans multiple states in North America, delivering specialized transmission services alongside total vehicle maintenance solutions. The organization benefits from the backing of American Capital and operates under the corporate umbrella of American Driveline Systems, Inc.
History
The origins of the company trace back to 1957 when Anthony A. Martino established an automatic transmission repair business in Philadelphia. Shortly after launching the enterprise, he joined forces with two associates, Richard Silva and Walter DeLutz, to broaden their business reach. Together, they inaugurated multiple transmission service centers throughout Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. By 1962, the partners divided their locations, with Silva's facility becoming the inaugural Cottman Transmission Center, a name inspired by Cottman Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia.
In 1964, Silva sold his first franchise to a businessperson who opened a new center on Roosevelt Boulevard. From this point, the franchise expanded steadily within the local region. During the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, the network extended its presence along the East Coast and into the Gulf Coast states, growing to encompass 81 locations by 1977. Upon Silva's retirement in 1979, ownership transferred to three employees: Michael Ambrose, Edward Kelly, and James Corkran. Under their leadership, the company grew to several hundred outlets across the United States and Canada, establishing itself as the second-largest transmission repair chain nationwide.
In April 2004, American Capital invested $46 million as part of acquiring Cottman Transmission for a total of $77.3 million including this investment. Two years later, in 2006, American Driveline Systems, Inc., the parent holding company, acquired AAMCO Transmissions, integrating it into their portfolio alongside Cottman. Despite shared ownership under the same parent company, both brands continue to operate independently.
The year 2012 marked a milestone as Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care celebrated fifty years in operation.
Services
Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care offers comprehensive automotive repair and maintenance services with particular expertise in both automatic and manual transmission systems.
In popular culture
Between 2005 and 2008, former American football player Terry Bradshaw served as the company’s official spokesperson.