Caroline Grossinger is the operator of Grossinger Autoplex, Grossinger Hyundai, and Grossinger Toyota. All three dealerships, which have been family owned and operated for over 90 years, are located in Lincolnwood, Illinois just North of the city of Chicago. Grossinger Toyota and Grossinger Autoplex (carrying Cadillac, Pontiac, GMC, Buick, Suzuki and Pre-owned Vehicles represent two of the top ten largest dealerships by volume of vehicles sold according to the Illinois Cross Sell Report.
Each location has just gone through a total renovation and now offer state-of-the-art sales and service facilities.Caroline Grossinger and her brother Gary Grossinger operate all of the Grossinger Autoplex dealerships. They represent the third generation of the oldest owned auto dealership in Illinois.
Their grandfather, Sam Grossinger immigrated from Europe and started the business in the early 1900s. Sam started out as a tailor in a sweatshop and then partnered in a parking garage. Next he sold tires. Finally, he became a “Hupmobile” auto dealer. By the time the “Hupmobile” fell by the wayside, General Motors had become familiar with Sam’s business acumen and offered him a newly manufactured franchise called Pontiac.
His sons Paul and Irwin both grew up at the Dealership, which they nicknamed “The Garage.” As a result, they developed a work ethic, mode of operating, and a temperature much like their father’s. While Paul’s priority was selling cars and assisting his father, real estate began to intrigue him. He was allowed to pursue this passion when Irwin came on board to help manage the dealership full time. Their close relationship and mutual respect was always apparent.
This mutual admiration society for their father continued until Paul and Irwin lost Sam a few months before Irwin’s first daughter was to be born. Then Paul passed way at the untimely age of 44. These losses devastated Irwin, and although he had been dealt a bad hand, he continued with admirable strength. He was now responsible for the family legacy.
During the ensuing years business opportunity knocked often and Irwin always opened the door. Always listening and evaluating, Irwin grew a single Pontiac dealership into the current multiple franchise business that is now the Grossinger Auto Group. Shortly after moving the Grossinger Pontiac dealership to Skokie, Grossinger was awarded a Grossinger GMC franchise.
A few years later he took the additional opportunity to sell Grossinger Cadillacs in Lincolnwood. Even though Irwin vowed to never sell anything other than American cars, auto trends brought Volvo, Suzuki and Grossinger Toyota North into the Grossinger family. Only a few years ago, Grossinger Buick was added to the GM Autoplex building and finally a Grossinger Chevy dealership was opened in Palatine.
Since Irwin’s passing in June of 2000, Gary Grossinger and Caroline Grossinger continued the Grossinger legacy with the same strength of character, same code of ethics and same mutual admiration and respect for one another as their familty before them.
They are very excited about the new opening of Grossinger Hyundai in Lincolnwood. Their love of the business and their commitment to customer service continues from generations before them. They will continue the tradition of the oldest family owned auto dealership in Illinois.
