GreenCars is proud to be part of Lithia & Driveway as the trusted source on all things involving the evolution toward fuel-efficient electrified vehicles of all kinds. We know that the transition to electrification can be complex. That’s why we work to demystify hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric cars for everyone with quality resources and the latest information to make it easy.
Looking back to the beginning of the Lithia & Driveway family of brands, we witness a company that began with a dream. Walt DeBoer wanted to build a better life for his family and in 1946, he opened his Lithia Motors car dealership in Ashland, Oregon.
The dream and company sprouted. When Walt passed away in 1968, his son Sid incorporated the family business. He understood the hard work and dedication his father had poured into a small car dealership. As the eldest son, Sid took the wheel and dreamed a bigger dream of a company powered by people.
Amazing people answered the call, bringing their strengths, energy and inspiration. The dream grew and in 1996, Sid took the company public. The dream then and now, involves growing a company that is integral to the communities it serves, including charitable service to people and especially children. Lithia & Driveway started Lithia 4Kids in 2008 and got involved in the Special Olympics at about the same time.
With proper tending, the great dream continued to grow and reach for the stars. By 2006, Lithia & Driveway had grown to over 100 stores and in 2009 the company sold its one millionth vehicle.
The company’s full throttle growth ramped up even more in 2012 when Sid transitioned to Chairman and his son Bryan DeBoer became CEO and President of Lithia Motors. Bryan had an even grander dream, introducing the company mission, growth powered by people, and our core values that all employees embrace today: earn customers for life, take personal ownership, improve constantly, and have fun.
In 2015 Lithia & Driveway joined the Fortune 500 and was named among the 100 fastest-growing companies in America, ranked 231 in 2021 it has moved up to 124 today.
The Lithia & Driveway vision is to redefine what car buying can be. Bryan imagines a new kind of experience, delivered wherever, whenever and however our customers choose. An experience where everyone is treated fairly, service is exceptional, trust is earned and relationships are built to create customers for life.
The company has welcomed many new dealer groups in the last decade and has spread to include 100 percent nationwide coverage with over 300 locations in America, 14 locations in Canada, and 136 dealers in the UK.
Lithia & Driveway has reimagined the car dealer experience with Driveway, an online platform that lets customers buy, sell and service their cars right from their living rooms. All they need is a smartphone and their favorite pair of slippers.
Lithia & Driveway is also driving change through GreenCars, helping accelerate the adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles, including hybrids, PHEVs, and all-electric vehicles, through tailored education and a simple, more transparent buying experience.
As one of America’s largest auto retailers, Lithia & Driveway continues to grow, expand and prosper, delivering transportation solutions in more ways than ever while giving back to the communities we serve.
Here’s to another 80 years of growth, powered by people. At Lithia & Driveway, we drive America and beyond. Where will we take you next? GreenCars will lead the way.
