The Canadian automotive industry has lost one of its pillars following the passing of Vincenzo (Vip) Palladino, founder and patriarch of the Palladino Auto Group. He was 95.
The Palladino Group announced his passing on Tuesday through its social media accounts and said all dealerships will be closed on September 27 in Vip’s honour.
Palladino was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Anne, and daughter Janice. He is survived by his son Vince and his wife Melissa, and grandchildren Brooke, Vincent and Ella. Details of his funeral have not yet been announced.
His career began in the 1970s, when he opened three used vehicle operations in Sudbury under the banner Vip’s Car Land. In 1975, after a test drive of a Honda Civic, he launched Palladino Honda (formerly Palladino Motors), which became the group’s flagship store.
Vince Palladino joined his father in the business and became General Manager in 1998, followed by Dealer Principal in 2000. Vip retained the role of Vice President.
Today, Palladino Auto Group includes seven dealerships: Palladino Honda, Palladino Mazda, Mercedes-Benz of Sudbury, Palladino Subaru, Golden Mile Chrysler, Subaru of North Bay, and Doyle Chrysler, Dodge Jeep Ram, which was acquired last year. Doyle is Canada’s oldest Chrysler dealership, founded in 1921. The group also owns Sudbury Boat & Canoe.
Tributes to Palladino came from across the industry and community.
The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) told Canadian auto dealer: “Vip Palladino was a classic visionary and automotive entrepreneur. His hard work and his commitment to business, his family and community were legendary. His impact on Northern Ontario and the whole province cannot be overstated. He and his family’s commitment to charity was much admired. His commitment to strong values lives on in his family and business legacy throughout Ontario.”
The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce said on LinkedIn: “From starting up Vip’s Car Land in the 1970s to building one of northern Ontario’s most recognized automotive brands, Vip was a pillar of our business community and leaves behind a legacy built upon entrepreneurial success. Even more importantly, he exemplified what it means to invest in your community, with a commitment to local causes, youth initiatives and civic pride that went far beyond business. He will be deeply missed.”
“Vip Palladino was a beautiful man,” said Joe Zanchin, Founder/Owner of the Zanchin Automotive Group. “He was successful, he loved his family and he loved the car business. He and I connected many years ago at a Honda group 20 meeting and we would stay in touch over the years to discuss each others’ issues and to motivate ourselves. He is a great inspiration to his son and I will miss him.”
Daanish Sharif, Subaru Canada’s VP, Finance & CFO, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
Jamie Futko, District Sales Manager of Subaru Canada said: “So sorry for your loss. Always great to [see] Vip at the golf tournaments. He will be greatly missed.”
“All of us at Honda Canada were saddened to hear of the passing of Vincenzo “Vip” Palladino. Please accept our condolences and heartfelt thoughts during this difficult time. Vip was a successful businessman and visionary whose passion and dedication helped shape the automotive sales landscape in Ontario. From his early days establishing “Vip’s Car Land” in Sudbury which was the catalyst to the founding of the successful Palladino Honda, to the creation of the greater Palladino Auto Group, Vip established a business synonymous with quality, integrity, and community service. He was a man of resilience with an unwavering commitment to excellence. On behalf of Honda Canada, we want to extend our deepest sympathy to Vip’s family, loved ones and friends,” said John Bordignon, Brand Communications with Honda Canada.
