Sames Auto Group began with William J. (W.J.) Sames, who moved from Hartford, Connecticut, to Laredo, Texas, in 1890. Partnering with J.R. Moore, they formed the Sames & Moore Company, a wholesale warehouse business. They added Ford vehicles to their lineup in 1910, marking the first vehicles sold in the Laredo area. W.J. Sames took sole ownership of the automobile business in 1925.

Sames Auto Group has the unique status as a family-owned and operated business spanning five generations. Harry E. Sames Sr. managed the dealerships from 1940-1956; Harry E. Sames Jr. ran operations until 1981; Harry “Hank” Sames became general manager in 1981; and Evelyn Sames, Hank’s daughter, took over the business in 2010, marking the fifth generation of leadership.

Throughout this lineage, the company has maintained a commitment to integrity, customer care and community service, sustaining its reputation and operational success.

Sames Auto Group has expanded geographically into locations across South and Central Texas, including Corpus Christi, Bastrop, McAllen, Harlingen, Kingsville and Austin. In addition to Ford, they have added multiple franchises, including Lincoln, Honda, Chevrolet, Mazda, Kia, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Nissan.

Sames has adapted to the changing automotive landscape, including challenges such as recessions, the Great Depression and World Wars, as well as modern trends like electric vehicles and virtual dealer experiences. It stands today as a symbol of entrepreneurial resilience and community-focused leadership in the Texas automotive industry.