Our Story | Foss Group Through the Years

How the Roy Foss story began

The Roy Foss Automotive Group owns two of the largest General Motors dealerships in Canada, as well as the largest privately held fleet management company in Canada. For over 60 years and over three generations, the Foss family business has built a reputation for automotive expertise and world class service. As we reflect on our past and contemplate our next 60 years, we feel energized by the possibilities of more sustainable forms of personal mobility.

1953

Roy Foss starts his automotive career at Gorys Chevrolet in Toronto (sold 3 cars on his first day!)

1962

Roy Foss is appointed a General Motors Dealer, and opens Roy Foss Pontiac Buick Vauxhall Bedford GMC Light Duty Trucks in Toronto.

1966

Roy begins a retail car leasing company that would eventually become Foss National Leasing.

1981

Roy relocates to a 20 acre parcel of land in Thornhill, opening Roy Foss Motors. This location became the first Auto Mall in Canada.

Classic photo of old Roy Foss Dealership

1996

Karen Foss (Roy’s Daughter) enters the business selling new and pre-owned vehicles. Karen is now the CEO of the Roy Foss Automotive Group.

2006

Roy Foss Acquires Woodland Chevrolet in Woodbridge, recruiting General Motors executive Sam Alaimo, to become managing partner at the dealership.

Outdoor shot of Roy Foss Woodbridge Chevrolet

2008

James Ricci (Karen’s son) joins the business in Sales. He took over as GM of the flagship Thornhill store in 2012 and is now the President of Roy Foss Motors Ltd.

2010

Roy Foss Purchases North York Chevrolet, amalgamating the Chevrolet brand into the Thornhill location, becoming a four-brand dealership.

Chevrolet Truck in front of Roy Foss entrance

2014

Foss National Leasing signs a partnership agreement with LeasePlan Global, the largest fleet management company in the world, to operate the brand in Canada.

2016

Roy Foss joins the Tricor Automotive Group as a shareholder, gaining access to a captive lease and finance company, and a suite of vehicle service and protection plans to better serve our clients.

2023

Roy Foss becomes the first dealer group in Canada to become part of the BrightDrop family, cementing our commitment to sustainability and the importance of an all-electric future.

Today

The Foss Group dealership operations includes three core areas of business: dealership operations, fleet operations, real estate and ancillary investments - including two of the largest General Motors dealerships in Canada - and our fleet operations business, Foss National Leasing and Lease Plan Canada. Foss National Leasing is the largest independently owned fleet leasing and management company in Canada, with offices in several provinces across the country.

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