TOKYO— Frederick "Fritz" Hitchcock, the veteran California megadealer and longtime Toyota retailer who once served as chairman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association, has died, Toyota Motor North America said. He was 81.
Hitchcock, CEO of Hitchcock Automotive Resources, died Saturday after a fall on Friday evening, according to Toyota. Hitchcock opened his first car dealership in 1971 and founded Hitchcock Automotive Resources in City of Industry, Calif., in 1979 to oversee his growing network.
At one point, Hitchcock ran new-car dealerships representing the Toyota, BMW, Ford, Hyundai and Volkswagen brands. He eventually sold all but his Toyota stores, keeping three Southern California Toyota dealerships: Puente Hills Toyota, Northridge Toyota and Toyota of Santa Barbara.
Hitchcock began selling Toyotas in 1976 and rode the rapid expansion of the Japanese automaker's U.S. operations through both trade wars and boom cycles. He was an advocate for smooth trade and lower tariffs, mindful of the Asian and European import brands he represented.
"With the passing of Fritz Hitchcock, the automotive industry has lost one of its greatest leaders, partners and advocates," Bob Carter, Toyota Motor North America executive vice president of sales, said in a statement. "As a long-time Toyota dealer, member of our National Dealer Council and Toyota Dealer Advertising Association, Fritz understood this business is about people and products."
As recently as 2019, Hitchcock Automotive Resources ranked No. 147 on the Automotive News list of the top 150 dealership groups based in the U.S., with sales of 6,276 new vehicles and revenue of $328 million that year. In 2005, his retail empire ranked No. 38 nationwide, moving 16,000 new vehicles.
Hitchcock was a prominent dealer advocate in Washington and served as chairman of AIADA's board of directors. In 2016, AIADA named its Grassroots Leadership Award after him. He was also a co-founder of the Automotive Free International Trade Political Action Committee.
“Fritz Hitchcock was a true icon of our industry. His leadership and generosity were unrivaled," AIADA CEO Cody Lusk said. "He fought tirelessly on behalf of his fellow dealers, leading the charge by engaging legislators and policymakers on the issues that mattered most to their livelihoods. It is impossible to overstate how deeply his loss will continue to be felt – not just by those of us who were privileged to know him – but by the entire industry."
Hitchcock had roles as president of the California New Car Dealers Association and as chairman of the Toyota and Mazda national dealer councils. He was a longtime champion of lowering tariffs on imported cars, which he said would both stoke sales and benefit customers.
In addition to his industry involvement and awards, Hitchcock dedicated time to varied philanthropic pursuits. His scholarship fund has provided debt-free college educations for more than 97 people, including two doctors. In 2012, Hitchcock was one of roughly 50 auto dealers nominated by automotive trade associations for the Time Dealer of the Year award.
"Fritz was a passionate advocate for the dealer community and a champion for the underdog," Cliff Cummings, owner and president of Toyota of San Bernardino, said in a statement. "He was a fearless, charismatic leader who was generous with his time and helped shape the industry to what it is today. As a dealer, I'm honored to have known Fritz and grateful for his mentorship and friendship."
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