History

The Atamian family’s history of selling and servicing vehicles in New England dates back to 1919. In 1924 Nish Atamian traded a horse and a trailer from a milk company for a brand new Dodge. (This marked our first new car sold). In the intervening years the family has held franchises for Dodge, Ford, Hudson, Rambler, Nash in three locations (Somerville, Cambridge and Boston), American Motors, Cadillac, Pontiac, Isuzu, Suzuki, Porsche, Audi and presently VW (since 1962) and Honda (since 1976).

The VW and Honda franchises are operated at our present location at 150 Main Street, Tewksbury, AM. The dealership occupies land from Rte 38 all the way to I- 495, with over 40,000 square feet of buildings. It remains a family business. Bob Atamian, Dealer Principle since 1968, has been joined by sons Robby and Terry and now by his grandson Benjamin, who represents the 4th generation of Atamians in the business. Their involvement continues a family tradition started by Ben’s great grand father and great great uncle Nish over 90 years ago.

Bob got involved in the car business almost by accident. After he returned from WWII he decided to open a drive-In theatre, one of the first in New England. He learned the automobile business during the winters while the drive in was closed and he had little else to occupy his time. His uncle Nish suggested to him 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. When Nish was offered the VW franchise in Worcester he immediately thought of Bob and his brother Eli, and Atamian Motors was born. Bob eventually sold his interest 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, after purchasing land and building a new dealership he opened Atamian Volkswagen at its present location. His family celebrated the store’s Grand Opening on February 14th 1970, Valentine’s Day.

In 1976 Bob was offered Honda, another up and coming franchise — a brand which has since become one of the most sought after names in the auto industry today…

The dealership continues to grow. 

Recently it acquired over 6 acres of land around the current location to meet the needs for future expansion. But in the family tradition, its cars are sold individually, customer by customer, because the Atamians recognize that their success can only be measured by the degree of their clients’ personal satisfaction.
Representing over 14 New Car Manufacturers in Massachusetts since 1924. Selling VW ‘s since 1962 and out of our current location in Tewksbury since 1969. Adding Honda in 1976. The Atamian family has been at the core of an award winning team that remains one of the most respected name in the automobile business in New England. The family is proud to offer a tradition of excellent customer service, outstanding quality and great value. It has been a lesson passed on from Ben’s great grandfather to successive generations that if you treat your customers and employees fairly you will be successful in business. Following this advice our family is celebrating over 90 years of automotive sales and service in Massachusetts.

Philanthropy

We have always supported the youths in our community by sponsoring organizations for soccor, hockey, baseball and basketball.
As a family owned company, we at Atamian VW Honda understand that there’s more to being part of a community than running a business it is equally has important to give back. Here is a look at some of those organizations that we have help in their charitable causes. Plus many hole-in-one golf tournaments for various causes and many youth organizations.

• Susan G Komen
• Genesis Foundation
• Neely Foundation
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Franciscan Children’s Hospital
• Jimmy Fund
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Dana Farber Cancer Institute
• Ellie Foundation
• Narsad Research
• Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
• Lowell Police Athletic league and the Tewksbury Dare Program each have received a new vehicle courtesy of the Atamian Family

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