Doten Automotive

Founded by automotive pioneer Harry True Doten in 1922, the Doten legacy lasted for three generations. Beginning with a modest Ford dealership in Kenmare, North Dakota, the family moved to California in 1935 to acquire the Pontiac franchise in Berkeley. Harry's sons Jim and Don Doten began assuming leadership roles in 1952, leading to another 60 years during which they and Harry's grandchildren expanded the empire. Over the years, the Doten family carried Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC Truck, American Motors, Dodge, Chrysler-Plymouth, Jeep, Honda, Oldsmobile and Hyundai franchises. Don's son Bob Doten left the family business in 1990 to pursue a career serving auto dealers at large, while Jim's son-in-law Kip Siegel carried on with the Honda and Hyundai outlets. The last Doten dealership was sold in 2012 following the passing of Jim Doten.