New MA Auto Dealers Hall of Fame inducts only living member
Ray Ciccolo, President and Founder of Village Automotive Group, is the only living nominee inducted into the 2018 Massachusetts Auto Dealers Hall of Fame, chosen by members of the MA State Automotive Dealers Association (MSADA).
The longtime Lexington resident is one of five in the Hall of Fame’s inaugural class, alongside Paul Balise, Ernie Boch, Sr., Herb Connolly and Alvan Fuller. Active in all sectors of the automotive world as well as other philanthropic, business and artistic endeavors, these leaders left their mark on New England’s automotive industry over the last century. The inductees were formally recognized in a ceremony early this month at the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod.
“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside such esteemed leaders who have played a vital role in shaping the automotive industry in Massachusetts,” Ciccolo said. He owns Village Automotive Group – one of the largest automobile dealers in the state – which includes the oldest and largest Volvo dealer in New England. Boston Volvo Cars recently relocated to a state-of-the-art showroom in a newly-renovated historic 1925 Allston building that once housed the likes of New Balance and International Harvester.
“In 1963, our original Volvo showroom was bare-bones and simple. Just as 21st century Volvos have transformed from solid and boxy to sleek and stylish, so has their flagship showroom in Boston,” Ciccolo said. “While our home has changed, you can still expect the same family-owned dealership and service.”
Even with this new honor, Ciccolo has no intention of slowing down. “We’ve changed over the years, but our goal has remained steadfast – to provide our customers with an overwhelmingly exceptional customer service experience.”
In addition to automotive dominance in the marketplace, Ciccolo is actively involved in developing residential and commercial properties, as well as expanding green initiatives at his dealerships in an effort to become more environmentally conscious. The new Boston Volvo dealership in Allston is equipped with high-efficiency windows, fixtures and lighting, sustainable building products and a complete solar-array on the roof. “As one of the oldest Volvo dealers in America, we have a lot to live up to,” he added.
Ciccolo holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Suffolk University and a Masters from Northeastern University. He completed the Owner and Presidents Management Program at Harvard Business School. Ciccolo and his wife Grace have been married for over 50 years and have three daughters and seven grandchildren. The couple happily resides in Lexington, MA.
About Village Automotive Group:
Owned by Ray Ciccolo, Village Automotive Group is a leading Massachusetts automobile dealer group serving the Greater Boston Area. Comprising six locations and selling five quality brands, its respected group of dealerships has maintained a solid and growing presence in New England for 60 years. It serves the drivers of Boston, Danvers, Norwell, and Newton MA – and beyond. Village Automotive Group has maintained a steady reputation for excellence in customer service and in selling quality new and used Honda, Hyundai, Volvo, Audi and Porsche cars, trucks and SUVs. Its dealerships include Boston Volvo Cars in Allston/Brighton, Honda Village of Newton, Audi Norwell, Porsche Norwell, Volvo Village of Danvers in MA and Hyundai Village of Danvers.
