A well-known North Bay businessman is retiring from the car business.
Cliff Pilon, who has operated the Subaru of North Bay dealership for the last 35 years, has sold the business to Vince Palladino, owner of the Sudbury-based Palladino Auto Group.
Subaru of North Bay has been serving customers in North Bay, Sturgeon Falls, New Liskeard, Cobalt, Haileybury, Kirkland Lake and surrounding areas since 1987.
"We would like to thank Cliff Pilon, the previous owner, for his 35 years of service to the North Bay community with Gold Fleet Subaru and wish him well in his future endeavours," said Palladino in a news release.
“I am incredibly excited to announce our most recent acquisition: Subaru of North Bay! We are elated to further represent the Subaru brand in Northern Ontario, including Palladino Subaru in Sudbury."
The Palladino Auto Group is no stranger to North Bay. It operated North Bay Mazda on Lakeshore Drive for six years before selling it in December to private North Bay business people. Their names were not disclosed.
“We were very motivated to remain in the North Bay market given its strong, dynamic business environment and are thrilled to be able to expand our relationship with such an iconic brand," Palladino said.
"We have a talented and dedicated team in place, and I am confident that, together with the support of the Palladino Auto Group, we will be able to provide our customers with an enhanced customer experience and level of overall satisfaction that is unmatched in the region."
The Palladino name was established in the automotive industry over 50 years ago by Vince “Vip” Palladino who became a Honda dealer in Sudbury in 1975.
His son Vince Palladino took over in 2000 and now owns and operates seven automotive dealerships and one powersports franchise in four cities including North Bay, Sudbury, London, and Toronto.
The group embraces community engagement and has, to date, donated more than $1 million to the North Eastern Ontario Children’s Hospital in Sudbury, which services more than 500,000 residents in northeastern Ontario.
The release said under new ownership, Subaru of North Bay will continue to offer "a wide selection of new and certified pre-owned Subaru vehicles as well as a vast selection of off make pre-owned vehicles. Their Subaru-certified technicians are extensively trained and possess the tools, knowledge and skills necessary to service all Subaru vehicles along with all other pre-owned makes and models."
— BayToday
