ONE of Victoria’s oldest and largest car dealership groups, Patterson Cheney Cars & Trucks, has turned 110 years old and has celebrated with a party for its members and their families.

The company harks back to the 1920s when SA Cheney began selling mostly General Motors brands of Chevrolet, Oldsmobile in a change the company called moving from “horse to horsepower”. For decades, SA Cheney then became a feature of the thriving automotive retailing scene in the CBD of Melbourne. Brands like Holden and Vauxhall were added to the company’s range as GM launched those name-plates over time.

The Patterson side of the business followed a merging of the Cheney business with Holden dealer Bill Patterson who was one of a number of well-known racing champions invited by General Motors to become Holden retailers and trade off their household names to attract buyers to their showrooms.

Bill Patterson, when he retired from racing in his own right, became closely associated with Peter Brock and over many years backed Brock’s racing activities under the banner of Bill Patterson Racing.

‘From Horse to Horsepower’ by S.A. Cheney

Trading as Patterson Cheney, the family-owned business has prospered and now represents car brands including Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Mahindra and Isuzu Ute and trucks from Isuzu, JAC, MAN, Western Star and Dennis Eagle.

Patterson Cheney head of people and performance, Daniel Waixel, said the anniversary celebrations are doubly important to the company as “the past few years have been nothing short of fantastic for us”.

He said Patterson Cheney has 850 team members spread across 12 franchises and 11 locations.

Patterson Cheney head of people and performance, Daniel Waixel

To commemorate this achievement, the company hosted a special celebration for its team members and their families to recognise the commitment that has fuelled the company’s success.

The group has achieved many outstanding results for over the past century but, particularly in the past decade, OEMS have recognised the business with numerous awards and honours. 

Its Mercedes-Benz Berwick and Waverley dealerships has won Metropolitan Retailer of the Year six out of seven possible times before transitioning to the Circle of Excellence awards in 2020. Since then they have won the awards in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Bill Patterson’s early showroom

Patterson Cheney also has award-winning Toyota dealerships. Patterson Cheney Toyota won Dealer of the Year in 2014 and 2022, and President’s Award for Excellence in 2015, 2019, 2022 and 2023. Chadstone Toyota won the Presidents Áward in 2023 as well as other significant awards.

In the commercial space, its Isuzu Truck dealerships earned Isuzu Australia Limited’s highest honour with Excellence Awards back-to-back in years 2023 and 2024. Patterson Cheney has received other accolades with Mercedes-Benz Vans, Mahindra, Isuzu Ute, as well as MAN, Western Star, IVECO Daily, Dennis Eagle, MAN and in used vehicles.

Bill Patterson Racing

Mr Waixel said the company is deeply embedded in the Victorian business and community and has won the AIA Employer of the Year Award two years running.

Mr Waixel told GoAutoNews Premium: “Reaching this milestone is not just a reflection of our history, but of the incredible people who have helped us get here. These achievements are a testament to the hard work and passion of our people. As an organisation, we’re so grateful to our loyal customers, our suppliers, our OEM partners and the exceptional team members who make everything possible”