Smart Motors Toyota history

1912 – O.D. comes to Madison (Gay Bros. bldg. – 617 University Ave. – a former livery stable) The Enger vehicle was added to the dealership’s line-up.

1913 – First Madison Auto Show held in the Fuller-Johnson Bldg..

1928 – O.D. becomes Willys-Overland distributor with over 40 dealers under him.

1931 – Whippet production ends, models replaced by Willys Six and Eight.

1932 – O.D.’s record fuel economy run in a Willys (33.9 miles on one gallon of gas).

By 1933 O.D and his team had sold over 9,000 cars and trucks, averaging a car a day in a time where it was unusual to have even two vehicles in a dealer's inventory.

1937 – During this time two cars was a big inventory for a dealer to have, but O.D. contracted with Willys to sell 1200 Willys through his 50 dealers in one year (fell just shy but it was a valiant attempt). Cord production ends.

1938 – Hupmobile acquires production dies of defunct Cord Automobile Co. and works out a deal with the ailing Graham-Paige Motor Co. to share them and build in Graham’s facilities.

1940 – Hupmobile production ends.

Finally, when the war ended in 1945 and automobile production resumed, O.D. sold the first "post-war" vehicle in Madison - the Universal Peace Jeep, by Willys.

1946 – O.D. sells the first “post war” vehicle in Madison, the “Universal Peace Jeep” by Willys.

1952 – Crosley production ends.

1955 – Last Willys car built.

1959 – Sunbeam (also Rootes Group) vehicles were added to the dealership’s line-up.

My grandfather and founder of Smart Motors (O.D.) passed way in 1966.

1967 – Our last Avanti sold.

1971 – Our last BMC product sold.

1987 – Smart Motors builds separate Used Car facility at 5702 Odana Rd.

1992 – Smart Motors adds nine service bays and remodels Volvo showroom at 5901 Odana.

Toyota’s breakthrough hybrid technology, “Hybrid Synergy Drive,” debuts in the all-new 2004 Prius.

2006 – 40th anniversary with Toyota and Volvo franchises.

In its 50th year in the United States, Toyota introduces the 2008 Toyota Tundra, as well as the second-generation of its iconic Scion xB and the world’s first V8 hybrid, the Lexus LS 600h.