The Story of BMW Sarnia
A Humble Beginning Near Oil Springs, Ontario
The journey of BMW Sarnia began many years ago on a farm near Oil Springs, Ontario, where brothers Dan and John Whitton were raised in a family of eight children. They were taught the values of hard work, honesty, and the importance of treating others the way they wanted to be treated. These principles would later serve as the foundation for their future success.
The Start of Progressive Auto Sales
As adults, Dan and John Whitton took a chance, embracing life’s opportunities to start a car dealership named Progressive Auto Sales. From a modest beginning at the corner of Ontario and East Streets, the dealership grew steadily, becoming one of Ontario’s largest pre-owned vehicle dealerships. Today, it operates from a prominent location at 1374 Exmouth Street in Sarnia.
The growth of Progressive Auto Sales led to the establishment of the Progressive Auto Group, which now includes Progressive Ford, Sarnia Volkswagen, BMW Sarnia, and the original Progressive Auto Sales dealership.
Our Philosophy: Fair Pricing and Honest Service
At Progressive Auto Group, our philosophy is rooted in the values we were raised with: hard work and integrity. We believe in fair pricing, recognizing that many families—like the one Dan and John grew up in—deserve quality vehicles at a fair price. Our mechanics are committed to treating every vehicle as if they were working on their grandmother’s car, ensuring safety and quality with every service.
The Dream of BMW Ownership
When Dan and John first started their dealership at Ontario and East Streets, they would often pass by a BMW store on Confederation Street, known at that time as Sarnia Fine Cars. They admired the beautiful vehicles but never dreamed they might one day be in a position to own and sell BMW cars. However, with the growth of their business and the right timing, they were able to acquire Sarnia Fine Cars from the previous owner, Joe Andali, and his family.
The Transition to BMW Sarnia
As part of the acquisition, BMW requested a name change for uniformity across its franchises, leading to the dealership’s rebranding as BMW Sarnia. Today, BMW Sarnia proudly serves its customers, whether they are loyal returning clients or considering doing business with us for the first time.
We look forward to welcoming you to BMW Sarnia and are committed to serving you now and in the future with the same honesty, dedication, and commitment to quality that have been the cornerstones of our journey.