Our History | Vincent Auto

1924 | 1st Generation

The Vincent family's automotive adventure officially began in 1924. Philias took his first steps in selling used cars for C.O. Batiste in Trois-Rivières.

Five years later, he became an official dealer for Plymouth-Chrysler and sold his first Hudson and Essex models. Over the years, he accumulated successes and became the number one in car sales.

Then came World War II, which quickly slowed down, if not completely halted, the automotive trade in the Shawinigan area. For Philias, there was a solution hidden behind every obstacle.

With determination and rigorous 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 reserve army service at the age of 21, joined the family business to help his father. Aiming to follow in his father's footsteps, he completed training at the Chrysler Institute.

His arrival at the family business was synonymous with expansion. It was at this time that a second garage opened on Viger Street in Shawinigan.

In the mid-1960s, the organization made a decision that changed the course of events: to unite operations under one roof by building an ultra-modern garage on Hêtres Boulevard.

Over the years of growth, the Vincent garage won numerous honours and awards from Plymouth-Chrysler.

1972 | 3rd Generation

The year 1972 marked a milestone for Vincent Automobile with the arrival of the third generation of management. Pierre, Robert's son, always knew he would join the family business.

After an internship at a dealership in Toronto, he became the director of parts and climbed the ranks one by one. Upon his father's death in 1981, he became the president of the group at the age of thirty-three. Like his predecessors, he managed the company while respecting the fundamental mission established over generations: to treat and serve the customer as if they were a friend.

In the early 1990s, Pierre made a significant decision that would change the face of the company: to abandon the Chrysler brand in favour 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 proved to be winning moves for the family and its employees.

2001 | 4th Generation

The beginning of the 21st century also signalled a renewal. In 2001, Maxime's arrival brought a wave of dynamism. He encouraged Pierre to develop the automobile market in Trois-Rivières. Together, they acquired the Hyundai dealership and now conduct their activities under the name Groupe Vincent. Étienne would join the team a few years later.

In the summer of 2013, Pierre passed away suddenly. Everyone struggled to come to terms with the loss of this exceptional man, known for his remarkable listening skills and big heart. Every intangible memory left behind by him is a gift of priceless value.

At the end of 2015, Groupe Vincent announced a new acquisition: Hyundai Shawinigan joined the Vincent family ranks. Major renovation work took place in 2018 to modernize the dealership and expand the aesthetics department's capacity.

2022 marked a return to the roots for Groupe Vincent with the purchase of Shawinigan Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. The decision to focus on and invest in the Shawinigan market guided the following decisions: to part ways with Hyundai Trois-Rivières, among other things, to acquire the Chrysler brand and become a partner of MVM motosport, a new address on Royal Boulevard specializing in the distribution of new and used motorized sports vehicles.