The Herb Chambers Companies
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive retail |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Herb Chambers |
| Headquarters | Somerville, Massachusetts , United States |
Area served | New England, primarily Boston-Worcester-Providence area |
Key people | Herb Chambers (founder) |
| Products | Automobile sales and services |
Number of employees | 2400 (2018) |
| Website | www |
The Herb Chambers Companies, widely referred to as Herb Chambers, ranks among the foremost automotive dealership groups in New England and stands as the 17th largest dealer group across North America.
Based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the enterprise manages 60 retail outlets representing 35 different automobile brands. Employing around 2,400 staff members, Herb Chambers earned the distinction of being a "Top Place to Work" by the Boston Globe for ten straight years up to 2018.
The organization’s broad brand lineup includes both luxury and mainstream vehicles, enabling a varied market footprint. In 2016, Herb Chambers achieved $2.7 billion in revenue and sold 58,000 vehicles, underscoring its substantial position and expansion within the automotive retail sector.
History
In 1983, after establishing A-Copy America—the world’s largest office copier dealer—Herb Chambers sold the company to Ikon Office Solutions for $80 million; Ikon eventually merged into Ricoh. The following year, discontent with unsatisfactory service while purchasing a Cadillac, Chambers acquired that dealership for $1.7 million, recognizing an opportunity to enhance customer experience in car sales.
Beginning with a single dealership in New London, Connecticut, Chambers quickly grew his portfolio by adding franchises such as BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz. By mid-2012, he entered the luxury segment with showrooms for Lamborghini, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce located in Wayland, Massachusetts. In September 2013, he expanded by purchasing a Volvo dealership in Dedham, Massachusetts, and later added a second Lexus store in Hingham in 2015.
In June 2016, Herb Chambers moved the Volvo franchise to Norwood, Massachusetts, alongside opening a new Lincoln dealership. Both locations were designed with upgraded customer features such as coffee bars and WiFi, reflecting a strategic focus on providing superior service experiences.
Today, more than half of Herb Chambers’ dealerships represent higher-margin luxury brands. All are situated within 75 miles of Boston—the sixth wealthiest metropolitan area in the United States—capitalizing on the region’s affluent consumer base to foster growth and sustain competitive positioning.
Franchises
Operating 60 dealerships throughout Southern New England, primarily within the Boston-Worcester-Providence combined statistical area, Herb Chambers holds franchises for nearly every major automotive manufacturer. These include Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Rolls-Royce, Smart, Sprinter, Toyota, and Volvo.
Furthermore, the company serves as the exclusive dealer for brands such as MV-1, A2B Electric Bikes, and Vespa Motor Scooters within the Greater Boston region.
Sales approach
Herb Chambers has transitioned away from conventional aggressive sales tactics toward a model centered on the customer, acknowledging that buyers now utilize online resources for price comparisons and independent reviews. The organization introduced an innovative no-negotiation pricing system known as "Smart Pricing," which promotes transparency and builds consumer trust. Prior to sale, every pre-owned vehicle undergoes thorough safety inspections, and the sales team refrains from applying high-pressure methods. Additionally, the company provides a return policy permitting customers to return vehicles within five days for a complete refund or within 30 days or 1,500 miles for full credit, bolstering buyer confidence and aligning with its customer satisfaction-driven business philosophy.
Accolades and recognition
Herb Chambers Companies has been honored with multiple industry distinctions that highlight its strategic vision and significant market presence. In 2003, the firm was awarded Ward's Dealer of the Year for integrity, exceptional customer service, and employee welfare. That year also saw seven of its dealerships achieve J.D. Power Certified Retailer status.
By 2007, Ward's Dealer Business ranked Herb Chambers as the seventh most prolific automotive group in terms of internet sales volume. The National Automobile Dealers Association put forward the company as a contender for Time Magazine's 2008 Dealer of the Year award.
In recent years, numerous dealerships have received commendations for superior customer satisfaction from DealerRater (2014, 2017, 2018) and manufacturer accolades such as BMW's Center of Excellence and Audi's Magna Society Elite. A notable recognition includes Herb Chambers Honda in Boston receiving a 30-year service award from Honda Motor Company in 2017.
In 2018, twelve dealerships were honored with J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence Awards for Customer Sales Experience throughout Massachusetts. Most recently, in March 2022, Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough earned Ford Motor Company's prestigious President's Award.
These honors collectively reflect the company's ongoing growth, competitive positioning, and unwavering dedication to quality within its sector.
Philanthropic efforts
Each year during the Boston Marathon, Herb Chambers organizes three viewing events near the race’s finish line on Boylston Street to generate donations for the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund. These gatherings are hosted at venues including the Mandarin Hotel ballroom, Abe & Louie's, and Atlantic Fish Co.
The company also contributes to pediatric healthcare at Mass General Hospital for Children, supports the Boston Cup classic car show held on Boston Common, partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, backs the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, and participates in the NESN Strike Out Hunger campaign.
Controversy
In 2005, a report by the Boston Globe revealed that four representatives from Herb Chambers Companies had made contributions to the gubernatorial campaign of Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas Reilly. During this period, the automotive dealership group was the subject of numerous consumer complaints submitted to the attorney general's office.