Spitzer Automotive
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automobile dealership |
| Founded | 1904 |
| Founder | George G. Spitzer |
| Headquarters | Elyria, Ohio , United States |
Area served | United States (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida) |
Key people | Alan Spitzer, Del Spitzer, Alison Spitzer |
| Parent | Spitzer Management |
Spitzer Automotive is a United States-based automobile dealership chain established in 1904 by George G. Spitzer. It operates as a division of Spitzer Management, which is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, United States.
History
The origins of Spitzer Automotive trace back to 1904 in Grafton, where George G. Spitzer launched a hardware store that also featured a livery stable. Over time, the business expanded its offerings to include the rental of horse-drawn buggies for passengers traveling by train.
Leadership passed to John Spitzer in 1945, who grew the dealership network to 14 locations across four states. During his management, he developed the Spitzer method, a training approach later adopted by Ford Motor Company for corporate education. John Spitzer passed away in 1992.
In the 1980s, operational control shifted to Alan Spitzer and Del Spitzer. Under their guidance, the company broadened its dealership presence into Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, they diversified their portfolio by investing in marinas and agricultural properties within Lorain and Medina counties, as well as developing Brentwood Lake Village and the Pheasant Run Golf Course.
The automotive retail sector faced significant challenges during the 2007-2009 recession in the United States. In 2009, following the bankruptcies of Chrysler and General Motors, Spitzer and numerous other dealerships lost their franchise agreements. Alan and Alison Spitzer actively advocated for the Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act, which led to the reinstatement of approximately one thousand dealerships. Their experiences during this period were documented in their book titled Grand Theft Auto.
In 2015, Spitzer Automotive gained recognition through induction into the One Hundred Year Club of the Western Reserve.
By 2021, Spitzer Automotive managed over twenty-one dealership locations across states including Ohio and Pennsylvania.
References
Additional resources
- Grand Theft Auto (published 2011)