Gates Toyota

Although it wasn’t until 1982 that Gates Toyota opened, the foundation of the dealership was laid more than 80 years ago when, in 1928, when L.O. Gates founded Gates Automotive. What began as an extension to his grocery store business turned into a successful Chevrolet dealership in Plymouth. Things were going well and within five years, L.O. had expanded into Mishawaka, Bremen, Argos, Walkerton, Culver, and finally in 1939, to South Bend. It was considered a real milestone in 1982 when Gates acquired the Toyota franchise. It was exciting to break into this new market with products that were noted for quality and durability. That excitement continues today as Gates Toyota has moved into our brand new facility on the south side of South Bend and is run by the third and fourth generation of the Gates family, Bill and his son Joel.