The Atamian family's history of selling and servicing vehicles in New England dates back to 1919. In 1924, founder Nish Atamian traded a horse and trailer from a milk company in exchange for a brand new Dodge. This marked Atamian's first new car sale. In the years following, the Atamian family has held franchises for Dodge, Ford, Hudson, Rambler, Nash, American Motors, Cadillac, Pontiac, Isuzu, Suzuki, Porsche, Audi in three Massachusetts locations: Somerville, Cambridge and Boston. Today, The Atamian Family holds Volkswagen and Honda franchises in Tewksbury MA since 1969, and 1976 respectively.
The Volkswagen and Honda franchises are operated at our present location, 150 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA. The dealership occupies land stretching from Rte 38 to I- 495, with over 40,000 square feet of building. It remains a family business today as Nish Atamian's nephew Bob Atamian has been Dealer Principle since 1968, and has since been joined by sons Robby and Terry and his grandson Benjamin, who represents the 4th generation of Atamian's in the automobile business. Their involvement continues a family tradition that has lasted over 90 years ago.
After serving in the army in WWII and returning home, Bob Atamian decided to open a drive-In theater, one of the first in New England. He learned the automobile business during the winters while the drive in was closed and his uncle Nish suggested that he should sell cars at Butler Chevrolet in Worcester to gain experience. Building on that foundation, Bob eventually became #2 in sales in New England at Butler Chevrolet. When Nish was offered the VW franchise in Worcester he immediately thought that Bob and his brother Eli were up for the undertaking, and Atamian Motors was born. Bob then sold his interest in the Worcester store to his older brother and moved to Tewksbury when he was given an opportunity to open his own store.
It was in 1968 that Bob decided to go out on his own. He was approached to open a Volkswagen Dealership in Tewksbury Ma, and in late 1969 he purchased land and building a new dealership called Atamian Volkswagen at its present location. His family celebrated the store's Grand Opening on Valentine's Day, February 14th 1970.
In 1976 Bob was offered a Honda franchise, which was an up and coming opportunity and is now a brand which has become one of the most sought after names in the auto industry today..
The dealership continues to grow. In recent years, Atamian Volkswagen and Honda purchased over six acres of land around its current location to meet the needs of future expansion. In the Atamian family tradition, cars continue to be sold individual basis, customer by customer, because the Atamian's recognize that their success can only be measured by the degree of their clients' personal satisfaction.
The Atamian Family displays commitment and excellence by selling more than 14 New Car Manufactures in Massachusetts since 1924. This includes a long standing relationship with Volkswagen since 1962, as well as adding a Honda franchise in 1976 to the current location in Tewksbury, MA. The Atamian family.
To Visit Terry Atamian's professional website please click here .