Duke has served the automotive needs of Suffolk and the surrounding Hampton Roads area since 1968, 2008 marked our 40th anniversary! Duke has grown from 10 employees with just Oldsmobile and Cadillac to over 50 employees with Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, and one of the best selections of Pre-Owned vehicles in the area. The Duke team is constantly one of the top rated Chevrolet dealers in the country for customer satisfaction in both sales and service. In 2007 Duke was the top rated Chevrolet dealer for customer satisfaction in sales and service in Hampton Roads as well as the state of Virginia! Come discover the difference the Duke team makes in helping you with your automotive needs and experience why we are #1 month after month in taking care of our customers.
The Showroom
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New Showroom
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Showroom in 1972 |
History Behind Duke Automotive
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1959 - Ray Duke accepted a sales position with Brothers Olds Cadillac on Main Street in Suffolk.
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1968 - Mr. Duke took the opportunity to purchase the dealership and renamed it Duke Olds Cadillac.. His son, Eley Duke Jr., joined Mr. Duke after college and became Vice President and General Manager, and helped him operate the business.
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1989 - Eley Duke Jr. lost his battle with cancer. Several months later, Lydia Duke, Eley's wife, joined the dealership to help learn from, and continue Mr. Duke's progress with the family business.
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1990 - Duke acquired the Buick, Pontiac, and GMC franchises
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1994 - Duke acquired Chevrolet, making Duke Automotive one of only a few dealerships in the country with all GM franchises in one location.
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1997 - Eley Duke III joins to learn the automotive business from his mother Lydia Duke, and Grandfather Ray Duke as the 3rd generation at Duke Automotive.
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2002 - 30 year relationship with Oldsmobile concluded.
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2002 - December - Mr. Duke retired after 33 years at age 85 to take time to spend with Mrs. Duke, enjoy life and to watch his favorite football team, the Redskins, and his favorite baseball team, The Atlanta Braves.
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Lydia Duke |
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Tidewater Women Article |
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2003 - Lydia Duke becomes President, Dealer, and General Manager. She becomes one of the only woman dealers in Hampton Roads and all of Virginia. In 2003 she was awarded one of the highest honors among General Motors Women Dealers, the "Spirit Of Leadership". An award given by the General Motors Women's Retail Initiative for "Leadership, Courage, Confidence, and Resilience" as a female dealer.
November 2004 - Lydia Duke is honored as one of the recipients of the Hampton Roads Youth Center's "Ray of Hope Award". An award that honored five local women for their time, talent, and energy in making lives better for young people in Hampton Roads. One of the most prestegious awards in Hampton Roads.
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2004 - July - Ray E. Duke Sr. passed away at the age of 86.
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Ray E. Duke Sr.
1917 - 2004 |
"He had to be one of the greatest Employers to work for"," he loved his people and he took care of them", said Fred Whitmore, Duke Team Member since 1969, as quoted in the Suffolk News Herald on July 16th, 2004.
- 2009 & The Present - The company has grown from 10 employees in 1969 to 50 today. The success of Duke Automotive is a direct result of the hard work, effort, and energy by each member of our team. We believe we have blended the best of all worlds; a great work environment with a hometown feel and a personal touch.
Whether purchasing a new car or having your oil changed, you can see and feel the difference -- The Duke Difference. You know you're not a number-but a unique and important individual and we are here to serve you. We thank you for your business, and please remember to support American Made products!
