The Century Automotive Group has a proud history dating back over 30 years. It began with John H. Shields II, who came to Huntsville in 1969 as the owner of Royal Chevrolet. Mr. Shields added the BMW and Isuzu franchises while at Royal. In 1981, Mr.Shields sold the Chevrolet franchise and purchased Stockton Buick. With the addition of Volvo in 1983 and Jaguar and Land Rover in 2003, the organization became Century Buick, BMW, Volvo, Isuzu, Jaguar, and Land Rover.
After becoming a CPA while working for Price Waterhouse in Houston, Texas, Tracy Jones came to work as the Controller for Century in 1988. George Jones, General Manager, joined the company in 1989 and brought his extensive marketing background to the organization. With Tracy's accounting expertise and George's marketing skills, coupled with Mr. Shield's automotive wisdom, they put together an innovative, new approach to the automobile business. Their emphasis was on employee enthusiasm, which then translated into customer satisfaction and helped to insure the future of the organization. Tracy became President of Century in 1993 and has led the organization to win many prestigious awards in their industry. In addition, the organization has proved itself a good neighbor to the community and has graciously given back by participating in various fund raising events such as BMW's The Ulitmate Drive ®.
Century is in the “people business”. The company's success begins with the people who work here. Century strives to bring together a group of employees, which as a team, perform at truly outstanding levels. They manage their business so as to earn the respect, cooperation, and heart power of their employees. If you take care of your employee's, the employees will take care of the customers. In turn, they earn respect from the community and lifetime relationships with their customers. Century prides itself on repeat and referred customers. The rewards have earned Century the honor of leading the industry in customer satisfaction, which 130 employees proudly demonstrate daily at the dealership. As president of Century Automotive Group, Tracy strives for expanded quality of products that are properly priced, sold, and serviced with competence, honesty, and integrity. These are the ingredients for Century's continued success.
Century Automotive Awards:
Century Buick, Isuzu, BMW, Volvo
- The dealership was awarded the “1999 Small Business of the Year” by Huntsville Chamber of Commerce.
- The dealership was awarded the “2002 Alabama Retailer of the Year” Award by the University of Alabama Retail Commission.
- The dealership employees are all long-term, tenured employees with 22% having been with the dealership for over 9 years.
- Century has consistantly demonstrated more than above-zone average CSI scores in all franchises.
Century Volvo
- The dealership was awarded the Volvo “Dealer of Excellence Award” 1994-2000. This award is based on CSI and market share (only about 35 out of 400 dealers win this award annually)
- The dealership was awarded the Volvo “Presidents Club Award” 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2009. This award is based on CSI and market share (only about 35 out of 400 dealers win this award annually)
- Century Volvo is ranked #4 in our division for 2009.
February 5, 2007:
Tracy Jones wins National TIME Quality Dealer Award
- Tracy Jones is selected for Alabama’s 2007 TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award winner. This is the first time that an Alabamian has won the most prestigious award in the retail vehicle industry.
- Tracy, who is the President of Century Automotive Group in Huntsville, was accompanied to the ceremony by her husband, George Jones, and her parents, John and Patsy Shields.
