The store’s roots date to 1875, two decades before the advent of the American auto industry. The business dates to the horse-and-buggy days. Indeed, founder Amable Normandin, a blacksmith and sleigh maker from Montreal, opened it as a buggy-making shop.
In 1906, the company expanded to include the sale of horseless carriages. The first franchise, Franklin, came along in 1915. An original Franklin car purchased from Normandin is in the showroom today. An original Normandin buggy, built in 1882, graces the roof of the modern building.
The dealership over the years sold – and outlasted – a number of car makes, including Hupmobiles, Saxons and Hillmans.
In 1933, the store obtained a DeSoto-Plymouth franchise from Chrysler Corp. The Chrysler line replaced ill-fated DeSoto in 1958.
A fifth generation of Normandins now run the dealership, which is on a 10-acre spread on the Capitol Expressway Auto Mall.
Of course, they didn’t have expressways or auto malls back in 1875. But they certainly had the entrepreneurial spirit that led to the founding of such a venerable dealership.
That spirit seems to be a constant throughout the life of the business, now housed in a thoroughly modern building.For instance, second-generation owner Louis Normandin sold all his stock before the stock market crash of 1929 and reinvested it elsewhere, such as real estate.
Fourth-generation owner Lon Normandin, during Chrysler Corp.’s dark financial days of the early 1980s, was among a select group of Chrysler dealers who traveled to Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress to support the automaker’s recovery plan.
Lon is now chairman of the board. His two sons are the current generation of Normandins running the dealership, Mark as president and general manager, Paul as general sales manager.
They represent that new breed of dealers who are both well educated and well experienced. Both brothers hold college degrees in business. Both have held a cross-section of jobs at the store.
If you are looking for a new vehicle in the Fremont, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, or San Jose region, Normandin Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT is the place to shop. Since 1875 the kind folks at Normandin have been helping customers find the right vehicle for both their lifestyle and budget. Over five generations have worked to make this the premier car dealership of the San Jose area. Located at 900 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall, Normandin Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT is just a short drive from all major cities in the area.
Normandin offers a wide variety of vehicles for you to choose from. Our lots are full of the top vehicle models such as the 300, Pacifica, Charger, Challenger, Durango, Journey, RAM Trucks, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Renegade, and Compass. Each vehicle is thoroughly inspected to ensure that it is in top condition, so you can feel comfortable buying a new or used vehicle.
At Normandin, you can expect only exceptional customer service. Our team will work with you from start to finish on finding the perfect vehicle for you. Feel free to stop by any time. In a hurry? Give us a call to schedule an appointment and our knowledgeable team will have the vehicles you are interested in ready to go upon your arrival. We look forward to working with you! Call sales Phone Number (669) 219-8921.
You don't have any saved vehicles!
Look for this link on your favorites:
Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.
(408) 266-9500
Call Now900 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall ā¢ San Jose, CA 95136
Get DirectionsOpen Today! Sales: 9am-9pm
Service: Closed
