The VIP Honda Legacy
VIP Honda’s story begins long before the dealership became a familiar name on Route 22. It begins with one man, one used car lot, and a belief that treating people fairly would always be good business.
More than six decades later, that belief still guides everything we do.
Founded by automotive pioneer Bill Vince, VIP Honda grew from humble beginnings into one of New Jersey’s most recognized Honda dealerships. Along the way, Bill helped introduce generations of drivers to the Honda brand, built lasting relationships with customers throughout Central New Jersey, mentored future dealership owners, and created a culture that continues to shape the dealership today.
A Foundation Built on Hard Work
William Patrick Vince was born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1924 in Edison, New Jersey, the youngest of five children born to immigrant parents who arrived in America through Ellis Island. From an early age, he learned the values that would define his life – hard work, respect for others, humility, and compassion.
At 18 years old, during World War II, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Briareus in the South Pacific. Despite sustaining a serious injury during the war, he returned to duty after recovering and continued serving until the war ended.
Like many veterans returning home, Bill set out to build a future. He married, started a family, and developed his sales skills selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners door-to-door. He often credited those years with teaching him how to connect with people, earn trust, and understand what customers truly valued.
Then he discovered the automobile business – and found his calling.
The Beginning of VIP Motors
In 1961, Bill opened VIP Motors in Plainfield, New Jersey. What started as a used car operation quickly became the foundation for something much bigger. Bill’s energy, creativity, and relentless work ethic helped the business grow, while his commitment to customer satisfaction earned the trust of drivers throughout the region.
Bill wasn’t afraid to think differently. He believed that standing out mattered, and over the years became known for creative promotions and larger-than-life marketing ideas that drew attention throughout New Jersey. Whether it was hosting memorable events, creating unique advertising campaigns, or finding new ways to connect with customers, Bill understood that success required both hard work and imagination.
One of Honda’s Earliest Success Stories
In the mid-1960s, Bill was awarded a Honda motorcycle franchise. At the time, Honda was still establishing itself in the United States, but Bill saw enormous potential in the brand. His instincts proved correct.
VIP Honda quickly became one of the largest Honda motorcycle dealerships in the country. On some of the dealership’s busiest days, more than 50 motorcycles were sold. The dealership’s success attracted the attention of Honda founder Soichiro Honda himself and helped establish Bill as one of the company’s most successful early retail partners.
That success eventually led to Bill being awarded one of the earliest Honda automobile franchises in the United States and the first Honda automobile franchise in New Jersey. As Honda vehicles gained popularity throughout America, VIP Honda was there from the beginning, helping introduce drivers to a brand that would become one of the most trusted names in the automotive industry.
Building a Legacy
Over the decades, Bill continued to expand his automotive operations, eventually owning 19 Honda and Acura dealerships. His influence extended well beyond the businesses he owned. He became known throughout the industry as a mentor who invested time, guidance, and opportunities in others.
Many successful automotive professionals launched their careers under Bill’s leadership. Several former employees went on to become dealership owners themselves, carrying forward the lessons they learned from him about leadership, customer service, and business success.
Bill believed that great businesses were built by great people. He took pride in helping others grow, encouraging employees to pursue opportunities, develop their skills, and achieve goals that may have once seemed out of reach.
A Dealer Who Never Retired
While many business owners eventually step away, Bill Vince never truly retired.
Even after decades in the industry, he remained actively involved in his dealerships. Prior to the COVID pandemic, he could still be found almost every day at VIP Honda and Bridgewater Acura. He attended meetings, walked the showroom, greeted employees, spoke with customers, and occasionally sold vehicles himself.
Bill believed that employees were the lifeblood of a dealership. He made it a point to know the people who worked for him and took genuine interest in their lives. He celebrated their milestones, supported them during difficult times, and treated many of them like extended family.
For Bill, success was never measured solely by sales numbers. It was measured by relationships.
A Commitment to Giving Back
Those who knew Bill best often described him as generous, humble, and deeply committed to helping others. While he received numerous honors throughout his life, he rarely sought recognition for himself.
Instead, he quietly supported charities, community organizations, educational opportunities, local causes, and individuals in need. He believed that success created an obligation to help others succeed, and he lived that belief every day.
One of Bill’s favorite sayings captured the philosophy that guided his life:
“It’s not what I have, but what I can give.”
That spirit of generosity continues to influence the culture of VIP Honda today.
The VIP Honda Difference
Throughout his career, Bill built his reputation on a simple promise:
“Satisfaction guaranteed before, during, and after the sale.”
Long before customer experience became an industry buzzword, Bill understood that people remember how they are treated. He believed customers deserved honesty, respect, and genuine appreciation for their business.
That philosophy became the foundation of VIP Honda and remains part of the dealership’s identity today.
The VIP Treatment. Every Customer. Every Time.
It’s more than a tagline. It’s a reflection of the standards Bill established and the expectations we continue to uphold.
Looking Ahead While Honoring the Past
Today, VIP Honda continues to serve drivers throughout North Plainfield, Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, South Plainfield, Warren, Watchung, Westfield, Union, and communities throughout Central New Jersey.
While the automotive industry has changed dramatically since 1961, the values that built VIP Honda remain the same. We continue to focus on relationships, customer care, community involvement, and providing an experience that makes people feel valued from the moment they walk through our doors.
Bill Vince’s story is one of perseverance, service, innovation, leadership, and generosity. His legacy lives on through the family he inspired, the people he mentored, the communities he supported, and the countless customers whose lives he touched over more than 60 years in the automotive business.
More than a dealership history, it’s a reminder of what can happen when hard work, integrity, and genuine care for people guide every decision.
Historical Content Notice: The images, advertisements, and promotional materials displayed on this page are presented for historical, educational, and archival purposes as part of the story of VIP Honda’s early growth and the legacy of Bill Vince. These materials do not depict current Honda models, vehicle specifications, pricing, promotions, or offers available at VIP Honda. Any pricing, promotions, vehicle details, or marketing messages shown in these historical materials reflect their respective time periods and are no longer valid. Please visit VIP Honda or browse our website for current Honda vehicles, pricing, and offers.