Zimmerman Motors a premier retailer of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram vehicles

Bob Zimmerman’s great-great-grandfather started the business in 1889 as a horse-drawn buggy and carriage construction and repair shop in Seven Points. In 1913, Zimmerman’s relocated to 1301 Market St. and continued at that location for the next 90 years until 2003.

That year they completed a construction remodel on their current 14-acre facility at 1435 Market St., a short distance away next to the bridge leading to Sunbury. This facility operates as their Sales Center, while the 1301 Market St. address still houses their Service, Parts and Body Shop departments.

Zimmerman Motors sells new and certified pre-owned vehicles (CPOV) as well as a wide selection of other pre-owned vehicles. Regardless of the years and mileage, the business treats all vehicles as if they are new, according to Troy Zimmerman, a fifth-generation member of the family business.

“We have a great support team that makes sure mechanically the vehicle is as new as possible and a detail department that tries to get the ‘new car’ feel to that vehicle,” Zimmerman said. “We understand that not everyone can afford a new vehicle, so we try our best to offer a great selection of late-model alternatives, which when enrolled in the CPOV program come with a seven-year 100,000-mile warranty.”

Being in central Pennsylvania, Zimmerman Motors specializes in four-by-fours, with Jeep and Ram brands being the strongest sellers. When adding Chrysler and Dodge, there is only one model that does not offer a four-by-four or AWD option.

Zimmerman said the pandemic has caused a shortage of new vehicles with production lines shut down for a short period of time. This has caused a higher demand on used vehicles and has made the market strong, causing used vehicle prices to increase. The business has expanded its avenues of finding pre-owned vehicles that meet its standards and are affordable for customers.

Zimmerman said although vehicles and technology have changed a lot in the past 10 years, it is the people who remain the best part of the business.

“For my family to have this business for over 130 years is amazing,” he said. “There have been tough times, pandemics and recessions, but the hard work of our staff and the support of the community has been great.”