If you grew up in Hampton Roads, then you might still recall the voice coming through your console television, “Hello, I’m Jimmy Kline with Kline Chevrolet.” Dennis Ellmer, with a dream of creating his own automotive legacy, purchased Kline Chevrolet and Kline Toyota in 1999. A little over ten years later, Priority Automotive Group now represents eight automotive brands and has locations in Chesapeake, in Chester just outside of Richmond and in North Carolina. Here’s a brief timeline of Priority’s history – from Ellmer’s first endeavor with Priority Chevrolet to a success story that continues today.
• 1999 Priority Automotive Group founded by Dennis Ellmer
Slogan “We Put You First” is a hit with Hampton Roads car buyers
• 2003 Priority Acura and Priority Toyota in Chester, VA, added to Priority
family
• 2006 Priority Toyota of Richmond opens new state of the art facility in
Chester, VA
Priority Used Car Super Center launched in Colonial Heights, VA
Priority Hyundai opens in Chesapeake, VA
• 2007 Priority Collision Center in Chester, VA
Priority Honda premiers in Chesapeake, VA
• 2008 Flagship New Priority Toyota opens in Chesapeake, VA
• 2009 Priority Nissan and Priority Kia open in Colonial Heights, VA
Second Priority Collision Center debuts in Chesapeake, VA
Second Priority Honda opens in Huntersville, NC
As you can see, what began in 1926 with Kline Chevrolet continues today, through the vision of Dennis Ellmer. Making the customer the top “Priority” continues to be a win-win, for our customers and the thousand plus families that live and work in our community.
How do you explain the growth? Simple. Making the customer top priority.
Priority Automotive, led by Ellmer, established a core philosophy early on in the development of the auto group. “Priorities for Life” is now a successful program offered at every dealership. By offering customers services and benefits “for life,” Ellmer was able to forge a new type of relationship with customers. Not only do Priority customers get exceptional service and vehicle maintenance; they also receive additional gestures and personal services designed to make life a little easier. Priority has become famous for its concierge-style services – a salon service for women, a café for enjoying lunch, even a small theatre complete with popcorn. Add that to free oil and filter changes for life, free state inspections and service guaranteed for life, and you’ve got a combination of services and amenities that build relationships for life. In a fluctuating economy, Ellmer’s vision of service that goes beyond expectation, proves to lead to success
Top Priorities – Kids. Community. Commitment.
No business is a success that does not recognize the importance of community. That’s why if you check us out on Facebook or Twitter, you’ll find stories of our outreach posted weekly. Priority is committed to giving back and supports groups like Boys & Girls Clubs of America, March of Dimes, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Joy Fund, American Cancer Society, and many others.
As we continue our mission, to provide our customers and community with the power of good works, you’ll see that we are continually adding new outlets to better serve. Our new website hosts all eight brand models we represent and how when you purchase a Priority vehicle, whatever make or model, you become a member of the Priority family. And as such, you will always be treated as “Priority” one.
Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Express 1500, Chevrolet Express Cargo, Chevrolet Express Cutaway, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, Chevrolet Sonic, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Traverse
