The Cox family according to family lore has been in the automobile business since the early 1900’s. During the teens and twenties they operated a Ford franchise in Ocilla, Georgia. During the boom years of the Roaring Twenties they moved to Avon Park, Florida where they operated a Dodge dealership. Cox Chevrolet, Inc. has a long and interesting history.

Our Chevrolet dealership began in 1926 as two separate dealerships; one was located in Ocilla, Georgia and run by Mr. J.P. Cox, the other dealership was in Tifton, Georgia run by Mr. J.O. Cox, Sr. In 1932 both dealerships were sold and the father and son joined together to form one dealership in Bradenton, Florida. At that time, Mr. J.P. Cox was the dealer.

In 1938 Mr. J.P. Cox passes away and his son, Mr. J.O. Cox, Sr. became the dealer. When Mr. J.O. Cox, Jr. returned from military service in 1945, he became the dealer.

Cox Chevrolet has continued to grow over the years and in 1978 the existing facility on Cortez Road was opened to meet the companies and customers expanding needs. The sons of Mr. J.O. Cox, Jr., Steve Cox and Gary R. Cox, are now operating the dealership along with their children, who are the 5th generation to be in the business

The Mazda franchise was acquired in June 2002 from Gradie Thornton who operated Thornton Mazda in Palmetto since 1970 when Mazda was introduced to America. The dealership was relocated to Bradenton across from the Chevrolet store in December 2006. The facility was designed after Mazda's "Retail Revolution" concept and was one of the first 75 constructed in the United States.

With over 80 plus years experience in the successful operation of automotive dealerships, the Cox family and all of its loyal employees have earned a respectable and secure place in the Bradenton community. The past is something to be proud of, but the greatest period lies ahead. We are all part of the team, which will write a new and even more exciting chapter in the company's history book.