Findlay Automotive Group was piloted by World War II fighter, Pete Findlay

Findlay Automotive Group shares its history, which dates back to 1946.
Findlay Automotive Group shares its history, which dates back to 1946. | Facebook

Findlay Automotive Group’s story dates back to 1946 when Clifford O. (Pete) Findlay, a fighter pilot in the South Pacific during World War II, returned to Nevada.

He later on purchased “Y Service Station” in Panaca, which sparked his interest in reconditioning used cars and the automotive business.

Together with their children Cliff, Ed, and Karen, Pete and his wife Mary Jo moved to Las Vegas, where they were awarded the Oldsmobile franchise in 1961. The Pete Findlay Oldsmobile became Findlay’s first new vehicle dealership.

Findlay acquired a few more new franchises over the years, including the Subaru brand in 1971, according to an article on the Findlay Automotive Group website.

One major milestone occured when General Motors offered an opportunity to open a Saturn dealership, which was accepted by Findlay and has soon after became the very successful Saturn of West Sahara. Due to this success, Findlay opened Saturn of Henderson.

Through the years, Findlay has grown further and carried more brands such as Audi, Honda and Toyota, among others.

To date, Findlay remains to be family owned and operated with Cliff as the current CEO, with over 2,000 employees and 32 dealerships.