OUR STORY | VINCENT GROUP, IT'S 95 YEARS OF MOVING FORWARD.
In the automotive industry, only three Quebec companies have made it through four generations. The Vincent family is one of them. Here is the heartfelt story and values that have shaped the Vincent Group since 1924.
Step into a time machine and discover the archives of the Vincent Group here. Have a good trip!
1924 | 1ST GENERATION
The Vincent family's automotive adventure officially began in 1924. Philias took his first steps in the sale of used cars for C.O. Batiste in Trois-Rivières. Five years later, he became the official dealer of Plymouth-Chrysler and sold his first Hudson and Essex models. Over the years, he accumulated success and became number one in car sales.
Then came World War II, which quickly slowed down, if not completely halted the car trade around Shawinigan. For Philias, behind every obstacle there was a solution. With determination and hard work, he became the sole representative of the Chrysler company in the territory and succeeded despite the crisis.
1945 | 2ND GENERATION
In 1945, his son Robert, finishing his service in the reserve army at the age of 21, was free to assist his father. In order to follow in his father's footsteps, he completed training at the Chrysler Institute. His arrival within the family business was synonymous with expansion. It was at this time that a second garage was born on Viger Street in Shawinigan.
In the mid-sixties, the organization made a decision that changed the course of things: to unite operations under one roof by building an ultra-modern garage on des Hêtres Boulevard. Over the years of evolution, the Vincent garage won several honours and awards from Plymouth-Chrysler.
1972 | 3RD GENERATION
The year 1972 marked Vincent Automobile with the arrival of the third generation in administration. Pierre, Robert's son, always knew he would join the family business. Following an internship at a dealer in Toronto, he became director of parts and climbed the ranks one by one. Upon his father's death in 1981, he took over as president of the group, at the age of thirty-three. Like his predecessors, he managed the company by respecting the basic mission established over generations: to treat and serve his customer as if they were a friend.
In the early nineties, Pierre made an important decision that would change the face of the company: to abandon the Chrysler banner for that of Honda. A few years later, he continued his project by betting on Mazda. The future of Vincent Automobile was at stake at this point. Pierre was visionary and his choices turned out to be winning ones for the family and its employees.
2001 | 4TH GENERATION
The beginning of the 21st century also marked a time of renewal. In 2001, Maxime's arrival brought a breath of dynamism. He encouraged Pierre to develop the Trois-Rivières car market. Together, they acquired Hyundai and now sign their activities under the name of Groupe Vincent. Etienne joined the team a few years later.
In the summer of 2013, Pierre suddenly passed away. Everyone struggled to comprehend the loss of this exceptional man, with his remarkable listening skills and big heart. Any intangible memory that remains of him is a gift of immeasurable value.
At the end of 2015, Groupe Vincent announced a new acquisition: Hyundai Shawinigan joined the Vincent family ranks. Major renovation works were carried out in 2018 to modernize the dealership and establish a larger capacity aesthetics department.
2022 marked a return to the roots for the Vincent Group with the purchase of Shawinigan Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. The decision to focus on and invest in the Shawinigan market guided the following ones: to part ways with Hyundai de Trois-Rivières, among other things, to acquire the Chrysler banner and become a partner of MVM motorsport, a new address on Royal Boulevard specializing in the distribution of new and used motor sports vehicles.
Always cherishing the mission of their predecessors and the values of their father, Maxime and Etienne are determined to ensure the longevity of the family business. As heirs to a rich tradition of excellence, the Vincent Group continues to move forward, again and again. Since 1924.