Bill Seidle’s Mitsubishi opened on Sept. 9, 1982; an autumn that included a labor strike in the NFL and the debut of the TV sitcom “Cheers,” featuring Ted Danson and Shelley Long.

Following 40 years of continuous business operations since that point, Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) recently recognized the franchised store based in Doral, Fla., as the brand’s longest-standing, single-ownership, dealer partner in the United States.

With many communities across Florida just beginning their recovery from Hurricane Ian, the occasion took on greater significance as MMNA president and CEO Mark Chaffin and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. executive officer for global marketing and sales John Signoriello made a special trip to Florida to celebrate the longevity and resilience of the company’s dealer partner.

 “We’ve always said that our dealer partners are the backbone of our business, and as our longest-standing dealer partner, Bill Seidle’s Mitsubishi has been a stalwart supporter of the Mitsubishi brand,” Chaffin said in a news release.

“Over four decades they have established themselves as both good neighbors and a pillar of respect in their South Florida community. Now more than ever, and in this region as much as any other location in the world, symbols of perseverance and resilience need to be recognized,” he continued.

The OEM highlighted the Seidle dealership has been in the greater Miami area and built a reputation for its customer service by putting the community first.

The Seidle family has been in the car business since the 1920s, and today, dealer principal Michael Seidle and wife Michelle count four daughters and a son-in-law now involved in the operation.

After 39 years, Seidle’s Mitsubishi recently moved into a new location in Doral and began a major remodel as part of Mitsubishi’s Visual Identity facilities program.

 “From the first Tredia, Cordia and Starion on our lot back in 1982 to the upcoming 2023 Outlander PHEV, we’ve seen so many changes over the years, but we’ve never turned our back on Mitsubishi,” said Michael Seidle, current dealer principal and son of the original owner. “I may not be here in the next 40 years, but my kids and grandkids will be, and I hope they’ll be carrying on the family name and business, continuing to serve this community.”

 Separately, to help those who suffered complete losses of vehicles because of Hurricane Ian, MMNA said it is also offering a $500 incentive valid until Jan. 3 toward the purchase of any new 2022 or 2023 Mitsubishi vehicle,

The incentive is valid at Mitsubishi dealers located in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.