About Us

Get to Know McCormick Motors

McCormick Motors: A History

G. Gordon “Short” McCormick, the founder of McCormick Motors, began his automotive career selling Pontiac cars and International trucks. After spending five years as a salesman, Short was able to purchase the Nappanee Chevrolet dealership on December 13, 1953, from Ray Shank. Originally located in a storefront at 200 South Main Street in Nappanee, McCormick Motors had a one-car showroom, a three-stall service area, and a used car lot for 10 vehicles.

For the next 25 years, McCormick Motors focused on integrating the latest innovations in technology into customer and business practices. During the ’70s and ’80s, it was the integration of increasingly more complex diagnostic devices to make the repair and service more precise. In the early ’90s, the addition of computer systems tied together all of the business processes of McCormick Motors service orders, parts, invoicing, and accounting to seamlessly integrate with the latest application of new technology.

In June 1997, Short, Bernie Beer, and Gordon Moore entered into a buy/sell agreement to facilitate the smooth transfer of the dealership to the next generation of dealer owners. Control of the dealership passed on to Bernie Beer who became the President of McCormick Motors, while Gordon Moore became the Vice President of the company.

In the decade following the transfer of the dealership, the company grew from a very strong regional dealership to a nationally-recognized fleet and commercial operation. The dealership was recognized as one of GM’s leading experts in the Chevrolet ambulance, shuttle bus, and recreational vehicle markets, with the sale of products in all 50 states.

McCormick Motors has been nationally-ranked in the top five percent of all dealers in the sale of medium-duty trucks, light-duty commercial vehicles and in overall sales performance. McCormick’s was ranked in the top five GM medium-duty truck dealerships from 2003 to 2009, with annual sales of medium-duty trucks of over 1,500 trucks in each of those years.

In 2009, McCormick Motors acquired the Toyota Group company Hino and Isuzu truck franchises to expand our offerings to customers. With the acquisition of these two franchises, McCormick Motors was in a position to offer trucks to customers from even more vocations, Including FedEx Ground contractors. In 2013, the dealership completed the renovation of the showroom at a cost of $1M so that the facility met franchise requirements.

In 2014, this investment was followed by an expansion of the body shop operation into a new and larger facility. McCormick Motors was also selected by GM to be one of 13 pilot program dealerships for the GM Green Dealer Recognition Program.  This ties into our mission to promote a sustainable work environment and commitment to solar energy production in the Nappanee area.

In March 2019, Bernie and Gordon entered into a buy/sell agreement with Tom Nunemaker, Susan Zeiger, and Josh George to facilitate the smooth transfer of the dealership to the next generation of dealer ownership, and ensure the continued prosperity of the dealership while minimizing the disruption to employees and customers. Control of the dealership passed on to Tom Nunemaker who became the GM, Hino, and Isuzu dealer principal and President of McCormick Motors while Susan and Josh became Vice Presidents of the company.

Additionally, in 2019, McCormick Motors furthered the training of staff to welcome the addition of the new Hino XL-7 and XL-8 heavy-duty truck.  McCormick Motors welcomes this addition to provide a fantastic offering in Class 7 and 8 segments.

For the 2022 model year, Hino and Isuzu both incorporated Cummins diesel engines into their truck portfolios. Isuzu expanded their lineup with the addition of a Cummins engine into the FTR and all-new FVR trucks.  Following this announcement, McCormick Motors became a certified Cummins repair facility, which allows our service department to maintain certification to repair Cummins-powered vehicles and for our parts department to stock Cummins parts.  Our sales staff has been trained on the Cummins offerings from Isuzu and Hino to better equip our commercial truck customers with the knowledge they need to make a decision that accelerates their business with efficient and reliable offerings in the medium and heavy-duty truck market.

Management

Tom Nunemaker- McCormick Motors

Tom Nunemaker
Susan Zeiger- McCormick Motors

Susan Zeiger
Josh George- McCormick Motors

Josh George

Community Involvment

Giving back to our community is our corporate responsibility. McCormick’s takes pride in supporting local chambers of commerce and non-profit agencies focused on the youth of today. We have a moral obligation to be good role models for the future leaders of our community and our company tries to live up to that, every day. Our dealership has also partnered with the University of Notre Dame with the “Drive with the Irish” Courtesy Car Program and with Goshen College on environmental and energy conservation issues.

Local Chambers of Commerce

Area Festivals

Non-Profit Organizations We Support

Boys and Girls Club Logo
Goshen College Music Center Logo
Goshen College Logo
Safe Kids Elkhart County Logo
Little League Icon
Soccer League Icon
Elkhart County 4-H Fair Logo
Toys For Tots Logo
Cell Phones for Soldiers Logo

Testimonials

I just wanted to let you know what a great salesperson/human being you have in Sue Glant. Last week was traumatic for me as I could NOT decide what to do with my lease ending. I kept changing my mind, doubting myself, re-thinking, and all the while I kept Sue adding and subtracting figures for the best deals on various cars - leasing results, buying, etc. Sue stayed late, came in early, returned my phone calls, and never was impatient or frustrated with my constant indecision. Meanwhile, she had several other customers to help as well! Finally, I think I reached the best choice for me and my three small dogs. I am very happy with my decision - thanks to Sue

Again I just want to say how happy I am with the decision we finally reached. Sue was "with me" all the way, but she was never rushing me or telling me what she thought I should do. She just gave me the info and support to reach a good conclusion. Many thanks!

- Susan Clark, 12/08/2018

“Sue thought you would like see from the picture of 100k mile mark. Our truck (HD 3500 Sierra) is just getting broken in! Can't say enough about this truck. Pretty much been flawless. We hit the mark while in AZ. Had to pull over and genuflect then rub the dashboard. It’s been a real pleasure, in meeting you along with your fine salesmanship, McCormick Motors should be proud to have you there. See you in March! Thanks again.”

- Milestone, 03/09/2018

“Great people! Nice inventory and Service department. Talked to Tommy in sales was treated very well. Thanks!! 5 out of 5 stars”

- CarGurus, 02/17/2018

“Very polite and helpful, responded quickly and let me know it was sold. He asked me if I was interested in any others. Not pushy at all. 5 out of 5 STARS”

- CarGurus, 08/12/2017

“5 out of 5 stars - Tom was very good to work with. He was helpful without the pressure of feeling forced to buy. I would definitely purchase another vehicle from them, it was a fun and positive experience!”

- CarGurus, 03/27/2017

“Very positive experience. Well worth the over 2-hour drive. A smaller dealership that stresses personal prompt service. Prompt replies to all phone and email correspondence from Tom Nunemaker. Got a good deal on precisely the certified pre-owned truck we were searching for. Thanks to Tom!”

- CarGurus, 01/15/2017

“I had an overall great experience at McCormick Motors. The staff was very friendly, my salesman Tom was very helpful, made everything easy, and got me out the door with the truck I wanted with ease. Thank You! Great Place to shop.”

- CarGurus, 10/01/2016

“I am a contractor in Michigan who was in need of a new service vehicle. I called Tom at McCormick Motors on Tuesday. By Wednesday afternoon they had delivered the new vehicle all filled up. Tom Nunemaker personally met me at my office to do the paperwork (15 minutes worth). Great place to deal with and will highly recommend McCormicks.”

- Michigan, 09/29/2016

“Friendly and Helpful: We have decided that McCormick Motors is the ONLY place to purchase a vehicle. Sue Glant helped us with the 2 purchases we have made and she is amazing when it comes to her knowledge and professionalism. Jim and his staff in the service area do a wonderful job. There is a great bunch of folks at McCormicks....everyone is very friendly and helpful.”

- Goshen, IN, 07/17/2016

“Highly Recommend: I was in the market for a used truck and couldn't find the vehicle I wanted with a dealership willing to work with me in the Detroit/Ann Arbor area. I expanded my search area and found the vehicle at McCormick Motors in Indiana. I emailed Tom about the truck and had a very prompt, no games reply. With the help of Tom, we went from first contact to delivery in less than 24 hours. I have purchased 7 vehicles from 7 different dealerships in the last few years, but this buying experience was the simplest of all of them. It's also very nice to see that there are no additional dealer doc, or financing fees that arise when doing paperwork. Tom even went as far as to cover the bill to replace a part that I had noticed was non-functional, even though he already had made the deal! Very pleased with McCormick Motors - definitely worth the drive to have the vehicle that I wanted, and a sales department that doesn't play games.”

- Ann Arbor, MI, 04/19/2016

For more information about our company, truck sales, or to schedule service with us, call McCormick Motors at (877) 773-3134.