Family operated since 1946

80 Years of Lithia & Driveway

Join us as we celebrate our history, our people, and the future of Auto Done Easy.

Driven for 80 Years. Geared for What’s Next.

What began with one store in Southern Oregon in 1946 has grown into a global family of brands—Lithia Stores, Driveway.com, GreenCars, and DFC. For 80 years, we’ve been built on relationships, loyalty, and the belief that when we invest in people, we grow together. This is Growth Powered by People.

Through the Decades

Nineteen
40s
Where it all started
Walt DeBoer founded Lithia Motors in 1946 as a Chrysler-Plymouth store in Southern Oregon.
Nineteen
60s
Early Growth
Walt’s son, Sid DeBoer, took over in 1968 and grew the company to 5 locations and 19 franchises.
Nineteen
90s
LAD becomes publicly traded
In December 1996, the collection of stores transformed into Lithia Motors Inc. , a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: LAD).
Twenty
10s
Growth accelerates
In May 2012, Bryan DeBoer became CEO, accelerating company growth. That same year, we launched our finance company, now known as DFC.
Early Twenty
20s
Brand expansion
LAD becomes the largest global automotive retailer while expanding the family of brands to Driveway.com, GreenCars, fleet, technology, and even motorcycles and RVs.
Twenty
26
80th anniversary
We’re celebrating 80 years of trust, industry expertise, and exceptional customer care. Wherever we are, we make Auto Done Easy.


The Future is Auto Done Easy

Today, we provide transportation solutions wherever, whenever, and however customers desire. With 100k+ vehicles, 50+ brands, and 450+ locations across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., we make every step simple, transparent, and convenient—from purchase, selling your car, to trade-in, and service.  Whatever the need, we’ve got the keys. This is Auto Done Easy.

Browse our inventory of over 100k+ vehicles from our network of 450+ locations.

Buy, sell, or finance a car from the comfort of your own home.

Everything you need to know to learn and shop for sustainable vehicles.

Find seamless, straight-forward auto financing solutions.

Growth Powered by People making Auto Done Easy

Stories from team members driving the engine behind Lithia & Driveway.

Roy Watkins Jr.
Oregon
Faith Calvert
Tennessee
Thad Joachim
Oregon
Peperr Harper
Nevada
Joseph Varga
Alaska
Juan Hiracheta
Wisconsin
Brian Smith
California
David Moore
Texas
Penny Bokovoy
Montana

Related Stories

April 2, 2025

Manage your vehicles with My Driveway

Get Started →
November 19, 2025

Lithia & Driveway (LAD) leaders honored in Automotive News Centennial

Read More →
December 2, 2025

LAD’s Growth in the Press

View Press Releases →
December 15, 2025

Growth Powered by People is Our Culture

Watch Video →