Zeigler Auto Group History


For A Great Experience - Past, Present & Future

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 78 franchises across 35 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include Toyota, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Fiat, Honda, Ram, Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Nissan, Infiniti, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, MINI, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Sprinter, Jaguar, and Land Rover. 


Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 19 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company.

 

The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, a Carquest Auto Parts store, three Byrider franchises, three finance companies, several insurance firms, and a leasing firm.

 

Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,300 people with annual sales of $1.7 billion, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation. The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Chicago and Michigan.


 



1970's

1975

The Beginning of a Great Experience. Harold Zeigler purchased and opened his original Zeigler Ford dealership in 1975 in Lowell Michigan. 

 

The Zeigler Dynasty Begins in Lowell, Michigan. At just 28 years old, Harold Zeigler purchases a single-point Ford dealership and becomes the youngest Ford dealer in the country at the time.


1979

The Expansion Begins. In 1979, Zeigler opened its doors in Kalamazoo, Michigan with the purchase of its first Lincoln Mercury franchise.

 

The expansion begins. Harold Zeigler moves his family to Kalamazoo, Michigan after purchasing the Lincoln-Mercury dealership. At inception, this dealership sold new Lincoln and Mercury products in addition to used cars and trucks

 

The Ford dealership in Lowell, Michigan continues to grow, selling 1,800 cars in a town of only 2,900 people. Between the two dealerships, across three franchises, Harold Zeigler reaches $15 million in sales.

1980's

Zeigler kicks off the decade with $25 Million in sales, 2,297 cars sold and 100 employees.

1981

BMW joins the family.


BMW was added to the Kalamazoo Lincoln-Mercury dealership. 


1985

Zeigler Ford Plainwell opens.


Under the name Harold Zeigler Ford Plainwell, the dealer not only offers Fords for sale but also Jeep, AMC, Eagle and Renault. 


1987

65,000 sq. foot Lincoln Mercury dealer built, Suzuki added.


Zeigler built a 65,000 square foot state of the art facility less than a mile from the original location as growth continued at a steady pace for the dealership group.


1989

Mitsubishi was added to the Kalamazoo dealership and the Lincoln-Mercury dealership sells 3,600 cars.


In 1989 Zeigler reaches $95 Million in sales with three dealerships representing 9 franchises.

1990's

The first year of the decade starts off strong with Zeigler selling 5,419 cars, for $72 million in sales. By the beginning of the 1990's Zeigler also has and 140 employees.

 

1994

Zeigler achieves $100 Million in sales

 

1995

Harold Zeigler Ford Elkhart is opened. This becomes Zeigler's first store outside of Michigan

 

1997

Each of Zeigler's Four dealerships take home the coveted North American Customer Excellence Award for Superior Customer Service. At the time, we were the only dealership group in the nation to achieve this.

 

1997

Harold Zeigler covers Dealer World Magazine

 

1998

Harold Zeigler acquires the Chrysler and Dodge franchises for the Plainwell market, rolling in its existing Jeep franchise into a combined Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership.

2000-2004

2000
Byrider & CNAC Franchise joined the family. 
A Byrider and CNAC franchise was started in Kalamazoo, Michigan, selling and financing used vehicles.

2002
Aaron Zeigler, 28, is named President of Zeigler Auto Group after getting his start at just 16 years old working part-time at his father's dealerships.

2003
$211 Million in Sales. 250 Employees

Zeigler opens new Byrider & CNAC Franchise in Lansing

Zeigler purchases a Chrysler dealership in Hudsonville, Michigan, with Chrysler awarding the dealer group Dodge at the time. The dealership moved to its current location in Granville in 2005. 

2004
The Lincoln Mercury franchise in Elkhart, Indiana was purchased and combined with the Ford franchise.

The Jeep franchise in Grandville, Michigan was purchased and combined with the Chrysler and Dodge franchise.

2005-2009

2005
New 35,000-square-foot Chrysler Dodge Jeep facility is built in Grandville, Michigan.

2006
Zeigler is named one of Western Michigan's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for.

2007
A Byrider & CNAC franchise opens in Downer's Grove, IL
This store was later moved to Berwyn, Illinois in 2012. 

Zeigler celebrates 10,767 cars sold and 423 employees.

2009
Zeigler acquired new CDJR franchise in Downer's Grove, IL

2010-2011

Zeigler starts the decade with 14 dealerships representing 39 franchises, 12,002 cars sold, 560 employees and $402 million in sales.

2010
Zeigler acquires Schaumburg Chevrolet
The acquisition and renovation of Schaumburg Chevrolet becomes the dealer group's first GM franchise.

Zeigler Honda in Kalamazoo is purchased & relocated
The Honda dealership in Kalamazoo, Michigan is purchased and relocated to the property adjacent to the Kalamazoo Lincoln-BMW dealership.

2011
Drive For Life Gala fundraiser celebrates 30 years
The annual event nets nearly $200,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Zeigler acquires Byrider in Berwyn, Illinois

Zeigler opens new CDJR location in Downers Grove
The new 35,000 square-foot location sells Chrysler Dodge Jeep and RAM 

Company headquarters built Kalamazoo Chrysler, Dodge and RAM which also doubles as Zeigler Auto Group headquarters.

Zeigler opens its first ever FIAT dealership in Schaumburg, IL



 


2012-2014

2012
Zeigler is awarded the SRT franchise. The SRT franchise selling high performance Chrysler products is awarded to Zeigler in Grandville and Kalamazoo Michigan, as well as in Shaumburg and Downers Grove, Illinois.

The Kalamazoo Honda facility opens
The 26,000 square-foot showroom features a circular two story atrium, one of the nation's first dealership with this new Honda Generation 3 design. It also featured a 1,500 square-foot training center, drive-through service bay and waiting area for adults and children. 

Zeigler builds new Byrider dealership in Berwyn, IL. 

Zeigler is awarded Schaumburg Fiat and Grandville Fiat

2013 
Aaron Zeigler is featured in Wards Auto Business Magazines "Ward's Top 500 Dealer Profile" with Zeigler listed at number 64 on the coveted list.

Zeigler is named one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®.

With $644 Million in sales, 23,500 vehicles sold and 761 employees, Zeigler is named one of the 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America by INC. Magazine.

2014 
Zeigler builds new facility for Byrider in Fort Wayne, IN.

A new Ford facility is built in Elkhart, IN.

Zeigler purchases Gurnee Nissan, the first Nissan franchise for the dealer group.

$850 Million in sales, 27,000 cars sold, 20 dealerships across 59 franchises in Michigan Illinois, Indiana and New York with 1002 employees.

Zeigler branches out to New York. New Honda facility in Amherst, NY. The #1 Selling Volume Honda dealership in Buffalo in 2014 and 2015.

2015-2017

2015 
Aaron Zeigler wins Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and is featured in Automotive News magazine.

2016 
The Motorsports Era Begins.
Zeigler buys a motorsports store in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This is the first time Zeigler expands out of the automotive business into the motorsports world.

Zeigler buys a Nissan and INFINITI store in Orland Park, Illinois with INFINITI being a new franchise for the Auto Group. 

Aaron Zeigler is featured in 269 magazine for Zeigler's great company culture.

Zeigler Auto Group wins the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For award for West Michigan for the 10th year in a row.

2017 
Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago opens in Berwyn, IL

Zeigler opens a brand new, 80,000-square-foot facility which becomes the World's largest Motorsports Dealership and Action Park. the facility includes full-service restaurant and bar: Sprinkle Road Trak-Houz and a drive-through service bay. The facility also includes  4 motorsports tracks built by Dream Traxx! 

Zeigler opens a new 34,000-square foot state-of-the-art Nissan facility in Gurnee, IL

Zeigler Motorsports adds Polaris, Indian Motorcycles, Timbersled and Slingshot to its lineup.

Zeigler opens new MINI store along Orland Park BMW

Zeigler opens Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy Elevate is housed in Zeigler Motorsports training center!  "A unique solution to elevate your leadership, teams, and comradery!" 

Zeigler Auto Group celebrates 1.05 Billion in Sales, 

32,000 cars sold and 1,300 employees


2018

2018

Zeigler finishes construction and opens a new Infiniti store in Orland Park, IL. The store is an Infiniti IREDI 2.0 (Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative) and one of only 3 in the country

 

Zeigler purchases an Auto Plex in Lincolnwood, IL and adds Cadillac, Buick & GMC to the lineup of brands! 

 

Zeigler purchases North Riverside Ford in Berwyn, IL adding first Ford franchise in the Chicago-area

 

Aaron Zeigler is presented with the M&A Dealmaker of the Year Award for the Executive Category 

Zeigler Motorsports is awarded the Powersports Business Power 50 Award

JD Byrider receives most improved multiple franchise store of year award

Zeigler Auto Group has 1,400 employees

1.2 Billion in Sales

34,000 cars sold

2019

2019

The Zeigler Family Scholarship is formed and available for Auto Group employees and their children or dependents.  Ten Scholarships are awarded with a total of $100,000 donated for education.

November  Zeigler purchases Sprinkle Road Trak-Houz and reopens under the name Trak-Houz Bar and Grill.  This is the first bar and grill for the organization. 

For the first time ever Zeigler sponsors a NASCAR and goes to the races.

Zeigler Ford in Plainwell is awarded with the President's Award.

Zeigler Auto Group is recognized as a National Best and Brightest Company to Work For winner!  This is the first time in the history of the organization to achieve this honor.  There were over 5,000 companies nominated and Zeigler is one of only 540 winners in the nation. 

Zeigler Auto Group has 1,450 employees

1.36 Billion in Sales

38,000 cars sold

2020

Zeigler makes its largest acquisition in history

Zeigler purchases Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter of Hoffman Estates, Infiniti of Hoffman Estates, Land Rover of Schaumburg, Jaguar of Schaumburg and Zeigler Luxury Pre-Owned of Hoffman Estates. Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Land Rover are new franchises for the organization. 

New construction is finished for Lincolnwood Cadillac Buick GMC dealerships in Illinois.

 

Zeigler Auto Group earns second National Best and Brightest Company to Work For Honors

 

Zeigler wins Chicago Best and Brightest Companies to Work For honors for 7th year

 

Zeigler wins West Michigan Best and Brightest Companies to Work for honors for 14th year

 

2021

Zeigler launches its very own Podcast entitled The Future of ZAG Today! 

Lincolnwood Cadillac construction of new dealership is completed!  

 Zeigler Auto Group's New Hot Air Balloon Takes Flight! 

https://wwmt.com/news/local/kalamazoo-car-dealership-group-launches-branded-hot-air-balloon

Zeigler Auto Group Earns 15th West Michigan's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For Award

Aaron Zeigler Covers the May 2021 Issue of F&I and Showroom Magazine

http://digital.fi-magazine.com/publication/?m=65913&i=707383&p=14&ver=html5


Zeigler Auto Group Announces Partnership with Athletic Mentors a premier wellness and fitness coaching company offering Zeigler team members free access to the company's fully digital platform.

https://www.zeigler.com/zeigler-auto-group-announces-partnership-with-athletic-mentors.htm

Zeigler Auto Group Earns Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation Award for Third Year in A Row!

Zeigler Auto Group hosts its 39th Annual Drive For Life Gala  featuring NBA Hall of Famer Ben Wallace as guest speaker!  Zeigler partners with community and team raises over $800,000 for charity!  

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/drive-for-life-raises-at-least-800k-to-fight-cancer-with-help-from-ben-wallace/ar-AAOs3LB?ocid=Peregrine&

Zeigler Auto Groups sponsors Josh Bilicki for the FireKeepers Casino 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway.

https://wwmt.com/news/local/zeigler-auto-group-hosts-meet-and-greet-with-nascar-driver-josh-bilicki

 
 

2022

Zeigler Auto Group becomes the title sponsor for the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon, helping the keep the tradition going by "Driving a Healthy Community".

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Awards & Accolades

  1. Zeigler Automotive Group

  2. Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Plainwell

    1186 M 89
    Plainwell, MI 49080

    • Sales: 269-685-5800
  3. Zeigler Ford of Elkhart

    2525 Bypass Rd
    Elkhart, IN 46514

    • Sales: 574-294-1563
  4. Zeigler Lincoln of Kalamazoo

    4201 Stadium Dr
    Kalamazoo, MI 49008

    • Sales: 269-375-4500
  5. Zeigler Ford of Lowell

    11979 E Fulton Rd
    Lowell, MI 49331

    • Sales: 616-897-8431
  6. Zeigler Ford of Plainwell

    1260 M-89 West
    Plainwell, MI 49080

    • Sales: (877) 316-3216
  7. INFINITI of Hoffman Estates

    1075 W Golf Rd
    Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

    • Sales: 224-209-2201
  8. Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates

    1000 W Golf Rd
    Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

    • Sales: 847-719-6048
  9. Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood

    6900 N Mccormick Blvd
    Lincolnwood, IL 60712

    • Sales: 847-383-0282
  10. Zeigler CDJR Alfa Romeo Fiat Maserati Schaumburg

    208 W Golf Rd
    SCHAUMBURG, IL 60195

    • Sales: (847) 674-9000
  11. Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Schaumburg

    208 W GOLF RD
    SCHAUMBURG, IL 60195

    • Sales: 847-882-8400
  12. Zeigler CDJR Alfa Romeo Fiat Maserati Grandville

    4200 Parkway Place Dr Sw
    GRANDVILLE, MI 49418

    • Sales: (847) 674-9000
  13. Drive For Life

    4201 Stadium Dr
    Kalamazoo, MI 49008

    • Sales: (269) 585-6603
  14. Zeigler Honda of Racine

    1701 SE Frontage Rd
    Mount Pleasant, WI 53177

    • Sales: 262-822-3244
  15. Zeigler Hyundai of Racine

    13313 Washington Ave.
    Mount Pleasant, WI 53177

    • Sales: (262) 884-7575
  16. Zeigler Auto Group in Illinois

    IL 60195

  17. BMW of Orland Park

    11030 W 159th St
    Orland Park, IL 60467

    • Sales: (708) 460-4545
  18. Zeigler FIAT of Schaumburg

    210 W Golf Rd
    Schaumburg, IL 60195

    • Sales: 847-545-0139
  19. Zeigler Lincoln of Elkhart

    2525 Bypass Rd
    Elkhart, IN 46514

    • Sales: (574) 294-1563
  20. INFINITI of Orland Park

    8751 W 159th St
    Orland Park, IL 60462

    • Sales: (708) 403-4700
  21. Zeigler Nissan of Orland Park

    8550 W 159th St
    Orland Park, IL 60462

    • Sales: 708-419-2986
  22. Zeigler Ford Lincoln of Elkhart

    2525 Bypass Road
    Elkhart, IN 46514

    • Sales: (888) 691-8464
  23. Jaguar Schaumburg

    920 W Golf Rd
    Schaumburg, IL 60194

    • Sales: 847-262-4403
  24. Land Rover Schaumburg

    920 W Golf Rd
    Schaumburg, IL 60194

    • Sales: 847-262-4403
  25. Zeigler Alfa Romeo of Schaumburg

    210 W Golf Rd
    Schaumburg, IL 60195

    • Sales: 847-545-0139
  26. Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago

    6539 Ogden Ave
    Berwyn, IL 60402

    • Sales: 708-956-7700
  27. Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood

    6900 N Mccormick Blvd
    Lincolnwood, IL 60712

    • Sales: 847-383-0282
  28. Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Schaumburg

    208 W Golf Rd
    Schaumburg, IL 60195-3606

    • Sales: 847-882-8400
  29. Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Downers Grove

    2311 Ogden Ave
    Downers Grove, IL 60515-1769

    • Sales: 630-427-4514
  30. Zeigler Chevrolet of Schaumburg

    1230 E Golf Rd
    Schaumburg, IL 60173

    • Sales: (847) 882-2200
  31. Zeigler Ford North Riverside

    2100 HARLEM AVE
    RIVERSIDE, IL 60546

    • Sales: 8889041108
  32. Zeigler Cadillac Of Lincolnwood

    6900 N Mccormick Blvd
    Lincolnwood, IL 60712

    • Sales: 847-745-4200
  33. Zeigler Maserati of Schaumburg

    210 W Golf Rd
    Schaumburg, IL 60195

    • Sales: 847-882-8400
  34. Zeigler Nissan of Gurnee

    3175 Grand Ave
    Lindenhurst, IL 60046

    • Sales: 224-232-5745
  35. Zeigler Ford of North Riverside

    2100 Harlem Avenue
    North Riverside, IL 60546

    • Sales: (708) 442-7000
  36. Zeigler Jaguar Land Rover Schaumburg

    920 W Golf Rd
    SCHAUMBURG, IL 60194

    • Sales: (847) 674-9000
  37. Zeigler Honda CDJR Lincoln BMW Kalamazoo

    3939 STADIUM DR
    KALAMAZOO, MI 49008

    • Sales: 269-375-4500
  38. Zeigler Auto Group in Michigan

    4201 Stadium Dr
    Kalamazoo, MI 49008

  39. Zeigler BMW of Kalamazoo

    4201 Stadium Dr
    Kalamazoo, MI 49008

    • Sales: 269-375-4500
  40. Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Grandville

    4200 Parkway Place Dr SW
    Grandville, MI 49418-2384

    • Sales: 6164269713
  41. Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Ram of Kalamazoo

    3939 Stadium Dr
    Kalamazoo, MI 49008-1421

    • Sales: 269-375-4500
  42. Zeigler Lincoln of Kalamazoo

    4201 Stadium Dr
    Kalamazoo, MI 49008

    • Sales: 269-375-4500
  43. Zeigler Ford of Lowell

    11979 E Fulton Rd
    Lowell, MI 49331

    • Sales: 616-897-8431
  44. Zeigler Ford of Plainwell

    1260 M-89 West
    Plainwell, MI 49080

    • Sales: (877) 316-3216
  45. Zeigler Ford of Lowell

    11979 East Fulton Rd
    Lowell, MI 49331

    • Sales: 800-646-4660
  46. Zeigler Ford of Plainwell

    1260 M-89 West
    Plainwell, MI 49080

    • Sales: 877-316-3216
  47. Zeigler Lincoln of Kalamazoo

    4201 Stadium Dr
    Kalamazoo, MI 49008

    • Sales: 269-375-4500
  48. Zeigler Alfa Romeo Of Grandville

    4222 Parkway Place Dr SW
    Grandville, MI 49418

    • Sales: 616-588-4790
  49. Zeigler Honda Kalamazoo

    4211 Stadium Dr
    Kalamazoo, MI 49008

    • Sales: 269-743-0003
  50. Zeigler Maserati of Grandville

    4222 Parkway Place Dr SW
    Grandville, MI 49418

    • Sales: 616-588-4790
  51. Zeigler FIAT of Grandville

    4222 Parkway Place Dr SW
    Grandville, MI 49418

    • Sales: 616-588-4790
  52. Zeigler Subaru of Kenosha

    7900 120TH Ave
    Kenosha, WI 53142

    • Sales: 262-321-3400
  53. Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville

    1777 W US Route 30
    Merrillville, IN 46410

    • Sales: 219-756-7900
  54. Zeigler Toyota of Racine

    13350 Kilbourn Dr
    Mount Pleasant, WI 53177

    • Sales: (262) 886-5111
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