FONTANA, CA. January 13, 2014 Rotolo Chevrolet was officially proclaimed the #1 Chevrolet Dealership in California. Zone Manager of Chevrolet Motor Corp for California, Chris Shane presented this award to Owner Marie Waddingham and General Manager Mike Caposio along with their sales team. This was done at a luncheon event with guests including Felix Wu – District Sales Manager, Dale Sullivan – Regional Manager for the Western United States, Chris Farmer – Zone Manager After Sales, Paul Byrne- District Service Manager, Acquanetta Warren– Mayor of Fontana and many other respected guests.
This prestigious honor comes with the additional recognition of being 19th out of 3700 Chevrolet dealers in the United States and #2 out of 400 dealers in the Western
United States. Rotolo Chevrolet Owner Marie Waddingham has stated, “We believe in treating people with kindness and providing exceptional value, both in the cars sold and servicing them long after.”
Rotolo Chevrolet is a family owned business that began in 1971 by founder Mariano Rotolo. Mariano Rotolo lived and did business in Fontana since 1929. At the age of 19 his father passed away and Mariano became responsible for his mother and four younger siblings. He became a wholesale produce man and sold to the local grocery stores and later on, the chains. His business grew and by 1942 he started Rotolo Bros, a wholesale produce business. Mariano always had a love for cars and along with a friend, opened a used car lot across from Eddie
Malone Chevrolet on Foothill Boulevard in Fontana. The friend passed away, and the store closed. Shortly thereafter, General Motors came to Fontana to interview local businessmen in town who would be interested in becoming a Chevrolet Dealer. GM believed a franchise owner who lived and believed in the community was key to creating a successful Chevrolet dealership in Fontana. Mariano was one of several businessmen GM interviewed - in May, 1971 he opened Rotolo Chevrolet on Foothill Boulevard, across from his former used car lot - 40 years later, their selection is going strong. Mariano loved his community and the people in it. He was very active in the Fontana Rotary Club and served as President. He loved to sing and dance, and became known in the Inland Empire as the “Singing Car Dealer.” For many years he was one of two tenors in the San Bernardino Civic Light Opera. He even led his fellow
Chevrolet dealers in singing our National Anthem on stage at the Moulin Rouge during an awards trip to Paris. He was also a proud American and loved to sing the Chevrolet jingle, “Baseball, apple pie, hot dogs and Chevrolet,” while moon walking across the showroom floor. In 1982 his daughter Marie took the helm as the Dealer Operator. In 2006 Rotolo Chevrolet moved it existing location at 16666 South Highland Ave in Fontana.
Rotolo Chevrolet offers extensive owner opportunities such as a Preferred Owner Benefits Program, Free Pitstop and more taking customer service at a whole new level. These are just a few more reasons why Rotolo Chevrolet has achieved this high honor. Rotolo Chevrolet is also easily accessible off the 210 freeway at the Citrus Exit. For more information on a vehicle need, service or more you are welcome to contact them directly at 866-275-8450 or visit them at RotoloChevy.com
