Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Auto Truck Group Celebrates 90th Anniversary

BENSENVILLE, IL – Auto Truck Group is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. On Mar. 28, 1918, Hervey R. Dailey founded the company, then known as Auto Truck Steel Body.

by Staff
August 13, 2008
2 min to read


BENSENVILLE, IL – Auto Truck Group is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. On Mar. 28, 1918, Hervey R. Dailey founded the company, then known as Auto Truck Steel Body. Hervey’s original business plan is still in effect today, “… to manufacturer, buy, sell, and deal in and with all kind of bodies made of steel and other material.” The first 10 years had their ups and downs. Then on Mar. 9, 1928, Eugene James “Don” Dondlinger purchased the company.

Eugene led the company until his passing in 1962 when his son, Gene, took over the family business. Through the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Gene’s leadership brought on a new plant, new customers and new products. In 1988 Gene retired after 54 years of service at Auto Truck.

Ad Loading...

Gene’s son Jim, a third generation Dondlinger, became the leader of Auto Truck and the tradition continued. When the business first began there was just a single location in Chicago, Ill.

Now, Auto Truck Group has five locations across the United States to meet their customers’ needs. Recently, their Fort Wayne, Ind., and Louisville, Ky., facilities have gone through major expansions. In December 2008, Auto Truck’s Bensenville headquarters and flagship shop will be moving to a state-of-the-art facility in Bartlett, Ill.

“I am very excited about the future. Our new headquarters will bring us tremendous opportunities,” said Jim Dondlinger. While many things have changed, one key thing has not, he said. “We’re honest and fair with our customers and our employees. Our success would not be possible without them.”

For more information about Auto Truck Group, visit www.autotruck.com.

More Operations

Hands holding several potatoes beneath the headline "What's Your Fleet Potato?" illustrating how simple, unexpected ideas can create meaningful impact in fleet management.
OperationsJune 5, 2026

What Does a Potato Have to Do with Leadership?

From simple process improvements and creative problem-solving to the little moments that strengthen team culture, this conversation dives into the power of unexpected ideas and why innovation doesn't always arrive wrapped in new technology or a major initiative.

Read More →
Podcast mic with LISTEN TODAY! and Truck Chat logo, as well as iHeart Radio, Spotify, and Apple Music Logos
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 5, 2026

Looking for a New Podcast for the Road? Start Here!

Looking for a new podcast? Truck Chat delivers fleet leadership insights, industry deep dives, AI discussions, innovations, and real-world stories.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail for Work Truck’s Truck Chat series. Large headline text on the left reads “AT THE SHOW” with a subheadline, “Reimbursement: Fleets Biggest Blindspot.” On the right, a man in a gray plaid blazer and white shirt speaks while gesturing with his hand, wearing a wireless microphone clipped to his jacket.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 4, 2026

Did You Know What You Don't See May Be Costing You Big?

As more employees choose personal vehicles (including hybrids and EVs) for business use, companies face new challenges around visibility, insurance, liability, and cost control.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Square promotional graphic for Shades of Fleet featuring host Lauren Fletcher against an American flag background. Bold text reads "Veteran Voices" and "From Military Service to Fleet Leadership." The image promotes a conversation with fleet professionals about military experience, leadership, teamwork, and transitioning into civilian fleet careers.
OperationsJune 3, 2026

Veteran Voices in Fleet | How Military Service Shapes Fleet Leaders

Across every perspective, one message is clear: the experiences gained through military service continue to influence how veterans contribute to the fleet industry every day.

Read More →
Collage-style feature image of fleet industry veteran Robert Martinez throughout different stages of his life and career, including vintage motorcycle photos, NYPD fleet operations, leadership roles, family moments, and retirement years, with bold text reading “Robert Martinez: Fleet Legend.”
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 2, 2026

The Fleet Lessons That Don’t Show Up on a Spreadsheet

From index cards to predictive maintenance, Robert Martinez shares the hard-earned leadership lessons that shaped nearly 40 years in fleet.

Read More →
Lauren Fletcher stands beside a bold Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet graphic featuring a commercial truck background and the headline "People, Leadership & the Skilled Trades Opportunity," highlighting workforce, leadership, and fleet industry news.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 1, 2026

People, Leadership & the Skilled Trades Opportunity | Weekly Cheat Sheet

People, data, leadership, and the skilled trades opportunity. See what's shaping fleets today in this week's Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic for a Work Truck feature article titled “Everyone Thinks They’re a Fleet Manager.” The image shows bold white and red typography beside a notebook labeled “Fleet Reality” with checklist items including control costs, reduce downtime, manage risk, and keep people moving, surrounded by charts, a calculator, and office workspace materials.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 1, 2026

Everyone Thinks They’re a Fleet Manager

From oil changes to procurement decisions, fleet work is often underestimated by the very people who depend on it most. Bob Stanton makes the case for why communication, not just technical expertise, is one of the most important leadership skills in fleet.

Read More →
wheel geotab image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Read More →
promotional graphic for Shades of Fleet featuring host Lauren Fletcher against an American flag background. Bold text reads "Veteran Voices" and "From Military Service to Fleet Leadership." The image promotes a conversation with fleet professionals about military experience, leadership, teamwork, and transitioning into civilian fleet careers.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherMay 29, 2026

From Military Service to Fleet Leadership | Shades of Fleet

Military service ends, but the lessons don't. Hear how veterans are shaping fleet leadership through adaptability, teamwork, and mission-driven thinking.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
fleetio coast pay
SponsoredMay 29, 2026

Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?

Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.

Read More →