Founded by Irving Singer in 1962, "Merchants Motors" began as a small automobile dealership in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire. Mr. Singer subscribed to the philosophy that good customer service was the cornerstone of success and the foundation of any respectable community business. In fact, it was after he received a loan from Merchants Bank that Mr. Singer founded Merchants Motors, naming his company after the Bank for affording him the opportunity.

As the success of Merchants Motors grew, Mr. Singer's customers began to realize that he offered something that few automotive businesses at that time thought to do - offering more than used car sales, but service and rentals as well. His customers appreciated the full-service approach and the business flourished.

Today, Merchants Automotive Group in Hooksett, New Hampshire includes Merchants Auto, Merchants Leasing, Merchants Nissan in Concord, New Hampshire, Merchants Van & Truck, as well as Merchants Service and CARQUEST Parts. Merchants is run by Irving Singer's sons: Stephen, Robert, Alan, Jeffrey, Gary, and son-in-law Michael Sydney.

Merchants Automotive Group is currently a $200 million corporation with more than 200 employees. Although Merchants Auto is one of New Hampshire's largest used car dealerships, long-term fleet leasing is the primary revenue generator, with national clients such as TJX Corporation, Sax Fifth Avenue, Millipore, and the New York Times.

Early on, Mr. Singer taught his children the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need. His philanthropic teachings were the foundation for the formation of the Singer Family Community Service Team, which supports the community through financial donations and volunteer work. Leading by example, the Singers foster a corporate environment that encourages employees to be active in the community.

The Singer Family Community Service Team is comprised of family members, employees, and a network of friends, business partners, and vendors. Team members perform a variety of charitable works - from serving meals to underprivileged children through the Salvation Army Kids Caf to supporting handicapped individuals through the UpReach Therapeutic Riding Center, to assisting home-bound seniors through Meals-On-Wheels - reaching out to a wide range of deserving charities.

Merchants' continued efforts to local causes include the annual Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive to support the American Red Cross (which draws an excess of 500 donors each year), the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign, Easter Seals, HEAR in New Hampshire, the Boy's and Girl's Club of Greater Manchester, Child and Family Services, Families in Transition, The Hooksett Food Pantry, The Webster House, Manchester Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit, Kiwanis Club, Manchester Library, New Horizons Soup Kitchen, Welcome Home, and many more.

Merchants also extends its support to a variety of community organizations and programs which focus on providing safe and healthy family-oriented entertainment opportunities including the arts and sporting events.

Greater Manchester has a rich history in the arts. The Palace Theatre is southern New Hampshire's home of professional theatre. Established in 1915, the theatre has since struggled to make ends meet. Recognizing the importance of the arts, the Singer Family has long supported the Palace Theatre through fundraising events as well as underwriting projects to allow school-age children to enjoy the thrill of the theatre for little to no cost.

Singer Family Park was established in 1998 and spent the next five years hosting such events as Family Film Night (a mock drive-in), Riverfest, and concert events. The field was also home to the New Hampshire Phantoms - the state's semi-professional soccer team. High school events and a number of Division II sporting events also called Singer Family Park home.

Today, and most significantly, New Hampshire's AA Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, - the Fisher Cats call Singer Family Park home under the guise of merchantsauto.com Stadium.

As sponsors of the American Hockey League's Manchester Monarchs, as well as the Manchester Wolves Arena Football Team, the Singer Family has helped make semi-professional sporting events at the Manchester Verizon Wireless Arena a success.

In September of 2005, Stephen Singer, President of Merchants Automotive Group, served as Chairman for the 4th Annual Fight to Educate fundraiser held at the Verizon Wireless Arena. The Pro-Am boxing event raised over $50,000 for three local educational charities: The Bobby Stephen Fund for Education, the SEE Science Center, and the 3 o 6 Afterschool Challenge. In addition to funds raised, the Singer Family underwrote the cost of tickets for underprivileged Manchester kids with hopes to attend.

In December 2004, Merchants Automotive Group was honored to receive the "Not Your Typical Business Award" from Citizens Bank and the New Hampshire Business Review. This award recognizes New Hampshire businesses that have demonstrated leadership in their commitment to their customers, colleagues, and community.

Tom Metzger, Chairman/President/CEO of Citizens Bank New Hampshire highlighted Merchants' unconventional relationship with their customers and employees as well as their generosity in the community during his December 2 awards presentation remarks. Metzger noted that choosing Merchants as the recipient was an easy decision, adding that Merchants "wrote the book" on customer satisfaction, employee appreciation, and philanthropic efforts.

In August of 2004, Merchants Automotive Group received a commendation from Governor Craig Benson. The commendation was presented to the Company and its Employees for their outstanding dedication to community service.

In fall 2003, Merchants Automotive Group became the first pre-owned vehicle dealership in northern New England to be accepted into the AAA Vehicle Purchasing Dealer Program. Participants in the program are required to meet the highest standard for service and quality in the area in which they do business. Dedication to providing quality pre-owned vehicles, a commitment to ethical business practices, friendly and fair customer service, and easy, no-haggle financing are all required qualities for any AAA Vehicle Purchasing Dealer Program participant.

In fall 2002, Merchants Automotive Group was named the Official Transportation Company of the Ted Williams Museum & Hitters Hall of Fame located in Hernando, Florida. In this capacity, Merchants provided vehicles to be used for Museum-organized trips to baseball's spring training, charity events, youth programs, and additional educational programs handled by the Museum.