Photo Provided Mike Nolte, regional GM from the Central Region at Mercedes-Benz USA, stands with Astorg Motors’ owners Joe Astorg and Paul Astorg.

PARKERSBURG — The year was 1967 and Joe Astorg founded the Astorg Motor Company, which had its beginnings as a small pre-owned vehicle lot in south Parkersburg.

In 1974, Astorg gained its first franchise partnership and in 1977 acquired the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Astorg Mercedes-Benz marked its 40th year last Tuesday in Parkersburg. Mike Nolte, a representatives of Mercedes-Benz, visited with Astorg Auto founder Joe Astorg and his son, Paul, during the day.

The Astorgs added a second Mercedes dealership, this one in Charleston in the Southridge business area, in the latter part of 2016. The Mercedes dealership was part of the Smith Motor Company of Charleston acquisition.

With the deal, Astorg became the representative of 12 vehicle brands between the two cities.

“Astorg Auto has been a trusted choice for decades,” said Paul, who has managed Astorg Auto since 2000. “We are committed to its employees and customers of the Mid-Ohio Valley. It’s simple really. You can’t do what we do without good people and we have some of the best in the business working for Astorg Mercedes. We owe our success to their hard work and dedication as well as having loyal customers.”

He added that the customer has been, is and will be a top priority. “Our goal since the beginning has been to treat the customer with the utmost respect and make the automotive buying and service less stressful,” he said. “We strive for opportunities to showcase our commitment to service and to better the communities we serve.

“These 40 years of selling Mercedes-Benz have flown by,” Astorg said, “and it has been an absolute honor to sell such a respected brand.”