NAPLETON AUTO GROUP IN THE 90TH YEAR

The 2021 calendar year is significant for many reasons, not the least of which is the 90^th anniversary of the Napleton Auto Group. Ranked number 17 nationwide in Automotive News’ Top 150 dealership groups based in the U.S., it was started with a single Buick Service Station by Edward Napleton in 1931 on Chicago’s South Side. Since then, Eddie Napleton and his siblings are the 4th generation of Napletons. 

The business was founded with a belief in common courtesy, a strong work ethic and a loan totaling $700. With that, the Napleton Buick Service Station was established. Francis Napleton, Edward’s son, was by his side to help grow the young business during its early years.

Napleton Auto Group: Historic beginnings.

According to the company’s history, the first dealership for the Napleton group was a DeSoto franchise. Eventually, in 1960, the DeSoto brand was discontinued with little warning. From there, the Napleton dealership quickly aligned with another Chrysler nameplate, Plymouth, eventually receiving several additional franchises owing to their hard work.

Ninety-one years later, that relationship with Chrysler products continues today through Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and their Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brands. With Francis by his side, Edward Napleton, the father, believed in hard work and exceptional customer service. They made a point of passing these values down to the next generation of Napleton family members. Five of Francis’s eight children have worked in the automotive retail business their entire lives.

Edward F. (Ed) Napleton, Francis’s son, is a third-generation auto dealer. His career began as a kid sweeping the floors at the dealership owned by his father and grandfather. He moved up through the ranks, learning jobs along the way that ranged from serving as a technician changing oil and tires. Auto sales were the young Napleton’s next stop and with it a stint in the finance department. This training helped him to work his way up the ladder to the position of general manager.

Hard work pays off.

The hard work paid off when at 23 years of age, Ed became the youngest car dealer in the United States when he was awarded a Pontiac dealership in Blue Island, Illinois.

Ed Napleton Auto Group’s day-to-day operations, which sells 25 brands at more than 74 dealership franchises across eight states, still involve prioritizing the customer as they have since 1931. Through the years, the Napleton family has taken pride supporting the communities they live and work in. The family’s hard work has helped them achieve goals that are synonymous with excellence and teamwork.

On the occasion of their 90^th anniversary, the family issued this statement: “The Napleton name has become synonymous with excellence and teamwork. What started as a small family-owned business has blossomed into one of the most forward-thinking dealership groups in the country, employing more than 3,000 people. The Ed Napleton Auto Group remains dedicated to its customers by providing expert sales and service knowledge combined with unparalleled customer satisfaction.”