Kari Toyota was honored this week for its 50-year partnership with Toyota.
Representatives from Toyota Motor Sale, North America, flew in Tuesday, July 17, to present the Superior dealership with a longevity award. The celebration included an open house Tuesday.
But it's not the only milestone the longtime dealership is celebrating this year.
"We're celebrating two anniversaries this year," said General Manager Chris Kari, the fourth generation of the Kari family to work in the business founded by his great-grandfather, Edwin Kari. "We have our 85th year in business and 50 years with Toyota."
Edwin Kari started the business as a service station back in 1933 before becoming a dealership. Over the years, the business has passed from father to son, first from Edwin to his son, Henry Kari, then from Henry to his sons, Wayne and Jim Kari, who co-own the family business today.
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Chris Kari said the first line of vehicles Kari sold was Studebaker.
When the last Studebaker rolled off the line in March 1966, Jim Kari said the dealership started to look for a new line of cars. In 1968, they started selling Toyotas to the Twin Ports market. He said about half of the dealership's customers come from Duluth, keeping 43 people employed.
"Thank you for 50 years of service," said Mark Nazario, general manager for Toyota Motor Sales in the Chicago area. "We look forward to another 50. Congratulations and thanks."
"I can't believe it's been 50 years," Jim Kari said. "It's kind of a milestone for us."
