History of the
Amato Automotive Group

• 1961

  The evolution of the Amato Automotive Group began in the Chicago area where Mr. John Amato Sr. owned and operated a very successful, Ford Dealership. In 1961, he sold that dealership and purchased what would become Southgate Ford on Milwaukee’s South Side.

• Mid-1970’s

  By the mid-1970’s, Mr. Amato had built Southgate Ford into one of Wisconsin’s largest and most respected Ford Dealerships. Still, his longtime dream was to own and operate an Oldsmobile Franchise.

• 1980

  That dream came true in 1980, when Mr. Amato purchased an Oldsmobile Franchise from the Krause family. John Amato Oldsmobile, Inc. came into being at 7793 West Appleton Avenue, on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side.

• Early 80s

  Amato Oldsmobile, like his other dealerships was soon recognized as one of the consistent leaders – not only in sales, but also in service and overall customer satisfaction.

• 1984

  By 1984, Amato Oldsmobile was outgrowing its location. Mr. Amato purchased a seven-acre parcel on North 76th Street in Milwaukee. In July of 1986, the hammers began ringing, and Wisconsin’s most modern Oldsmobile facility grew out of an empty field.

  

• 1993

  In 1993, after 30 gratifying years in the business, John Amato Sr. sold the dealership to his son, John S. Amato.

• 1993

  Amato Automotive Group added its own in-house finance company in 1993, Preferred Credit Corporation.

• March, 1995

  As the new owner, John S. Amato built on his father’s success and expanded his father’s vision by purchasing, in March 1995, the Mazda Franchise from Best Ford. The Mazda Franchise joined the Oldsmobile Franchise at the North 76th Street location to create Amato Oldsmobile Mazda.

• 1996

  In 1996, an ABRA Franchise was added to the Amato Automotive Group.

• August, 1998

  In August 1998, the Amato Automotive Group further extended its reach and scope with the purchase of Steingraeber Ford at 1015 Main Street in Mukwonago from Dick Steingraeber. Together, all three franchises came under the Amato Automotive Group umbrella.

• December, 2000

  In December 2000, the Amato Automotive Group took another step forward with the purchase of Nodell Cadillac Oldsmobile at 5200 Port Washington Road in Glendale from Greg M Marx. (Amato Cadillac)

• April, 2001

  Due to General Motors phasing out Oldsmobile, John S. Amato acquired a Hyundai Franchise from Arrow in April of 2001. The Hyundai Franchise joined Mazda at the North 76th Street location.

• 2002

  In 2002, ABRA Franchise was eliminated and John S. Amato started the Amato Collision Center.

• Fall 2002

  As a part of the company’s commitment to the Mazda Franchise, A new Mazda showroom was built in the fall of 2002.

• August, 2009

  In August of 2009, as part of the restructuring of its dealers, we came to an agreement with GM to give back the Cadillac Franchise.

• August 25, 2009

  Virtually simultaneously with GM agreement, we entered into a franchise agreement with Nissan. On August 25, 2009, Amato Nissan joined the Amato Automotive Group. A significant remodel took place in 2009-2010.

• July, 2016

  In July 2016 we obtained a Mitsubishi Franchise. This is located directly across the street from the Amato Hyundai location.

• Fall, 2016

  In the fall of 2016, we were awarded a Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Franchise. We anticipate the opening of Amato Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Glendale WI in the spring of 2018.