Jacob Toyota 3.62

It all began with the birth of Herman (Harry) August Jacob on the 18th May, 1899, the founder of the ‘Jacob’ business name.

Harry began working as a clerk for a coach builder and blacksmith at Walla Walla in 1915 at 16 years of age. With several years of clerical experience and studying accountancy by correspondence, in 1934 Harry acquired the HV McKay Massey Harris machinery franchise. He operated this business and in 1941 Harry’s eldest son Lionel joined the company resulting in the formation of HA Jacob & Son Pty Ltd.

In keeping with the family involvement, Lionel’s eldest son Neville also joined the company in 1967. In 1972 Harry passed away and Lionel became the managing director of HA Jacob & Sons. Three years after Harry’s death, HA Jacob & Sons were appointed the Toyota franchise and began trading as Jacob Toyota in Walla Walla.

Fast forward to 1985, and the company was given the opportunity to purchase the existing Albury and Wodonga Toyota franchise from Brian Lloyd Toyota. They again began trading as Jacob Toyota. In the same year the company won the Golden Toyota Dealer Award for Sales Achievement.

In 1986, they opened Jacob Toyota Wodonga and were appointed a member of Toyota Financial Services (one of the founding members).

The Albury branch was re-located from Waugh Road to its current location in Wagga Road Lavington in 1988 and was then renovated in 1991 to incorporate an extended Parts and Service division and allow for an improved New and Used vehicle display area.

In 1993 the Wodonga branch also got a face lift.

In 1995 HA Jacob & Sons were appointed the Toyota franchise in Corowa. This was after 20 years of exposure through the original identity, Coopers Auto Service. Also in 1995 the company celebrated 20 years as a Toyota dealer on 19th June. The year 2000 saw the design and construction of a new workshop in Wodonga.

Between the years 2000 and 2005 the Jacob Group of companies came to include a truck and detailing division. In 2005, Jacob Toyota celebrated 30 years as a Toyota dealer.

Now in 2010, Jacob Toyota has two Toyota dealerships – Albury and Wodonga. They employ close to 100 people between the two and also have incorporated several other vehicle franchises and complementary businesses. Whilst the Wodonga branch has already undergone a showroom and office renovation the Albury dealership is temporarily closed to have a full site overhaul.

It is still very much a family affair as Neville and Susan Jacob are both still full-time directors, and their two sons Adam and Dean work for the company, as do Troy and Jason Lowe their nephews. Lionel Jacob still has an active part in the business that he built, calling in every week to catch up with the staff.