Our Story: From Ottawa to Southwest Florida
One Brand Since 1968. Two Generations. Fifteen Hundred Miles.
The Bernard family has represented Mazda in Ottawa, Canada, since 1968, and it's the only automotive brand they've ever sold. In 2024, Andy Bernard and his family brought that experience to Southwest Florida by opening Mazda of Port Charlotte in Port Charlotte, FL.
Today, the independently owned and operated dealership combines generations of Mazda experience with a locally hired team, transparent pricing, and a commitment to treating customers with respect.
Whether you're shopping for a new Mazda, exploring pre-owned vehicles, or scheduling maintenance, the team at Mazda of Port Charlotte invites you to experience the difference. Visit Mazda of Port Charlotte on South Tamiami Trail to meet our team and see what makes our dealership special.
It Started With a Lawn Mower Repair Shop
The Bernard family's Mazda story didn't begin in a showroom. It started in Ottawa, Canada, with a family business repairing lawn mowers and snow blowers.
In 1968, the family of MaryAnn Bernard, Andy Bernard's mother, became a Mazda dealer when the brand was still relatively unfamiliar to Canadian drivers. Over time, the business grew into one of Canada's most successful Mazda dealerships.
Through every stage of that growth, the family remained committed to one automotive brand: Mazda.
Bringing the Family Business to Port Charlotte
Andy Bernard grew up surrounded by the Mazda business. When he decided to open a dealership of his own, he saw an opportunity in Charlotte County, which had been without a Mazda dealership for approximately seven years. After years of persistence, Mazda of Port Charlotte opened in 2024.
Andy and his wife, Kate, relocated their family from Ottawa to operate the dealership, bringing experienced Mazda professionals with them.
A few milestones help tell the story:
1968
The Bernard family began representing Mazda in Ottawa, Canada
2024
Mazda of Port Charlotte opened in Southwest Florida
7.5 acres
The dealership's location along South Tamiami Trail
50+ local hires
Southwest Florida residents employed by the dealership
The result is a dealership that combines decades of family experience with people who know and care about the local community.
A Letter From Andy Bernard
Welcome to Mazda of Port Charlotte!
My name is Andy Bernard, and my family and I are proud to own and operate Mazda of Port Charlotte.
Mazda has been part of our family's story since 1968. For generations, our family has represented the Mazda brand in Canada, and it remains the only automotive brand we represent because we genuinely believe in the vehicles, the people behind the brand, and the experience Mazda provides.
In 2024, we made the decision to bring that same commitment, experience, and passion to Southwest Florida by opening Mazda of Port Charlotte.
While we brought a few experienced Mazda team members from our Canadian dealership to help us get started, the heart of our dealership is local. We've proudly hired more than 50 people from this community who share our commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.
From day one, our mission has been simple: Build the kind of dealership we would want our own family to visit.
That means providing a transparent, respectful, and enjoyable experience every time you walk through our doors.
Whether you're shopping for a new Mazda, purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, servicing your current Mazda, or ordering Genuine Mazda Parts and Accessories, our goal is to make the process straightforward, honest, and pressure-free.
As an independently owned and operated dealership, we believe trust is earned, not expected. That's why we've built our business around transparent pricing, clear communication, and treating every customer with the respect they deserve.
You'll never find market adjustments or add-ons you didn't ask for, and you'll see every line item on our paperwork before you sign. Our team is committed to helping you make the right decision for you and your family.
Although we opened our doors in 2024, our family's Mazda experience dates back to 1968. Every customer who chooses Mazda of Port Charlotte gives us the opportunity to earn their trust, and we never take that responsibility for granted.
On behalf of my family and our entire team, thank you for welcoming us into the Southwest Florida community. We are proud to serve Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Venice, Englewood, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and customers throughout Florida and across the United States.
We look forward to welcoming you to Mazda of Port Charlotte.
Andrew "Andy" Bernard
Dealer Principal
Mazda of Port Charlotte
What the Record Says About Mazda of Port Charlotte
Since opening in 2024, Mazda of Port Charlotte has worked to earn the trust of Southwest Florida drivers through transparent pricing, knowledgeable employees, and a customer-focused approach. Our commitment is reflected in our A+ Better Business Bureau rating, with accreditation dating back to July 31, 2024, and our dedication to the local community, where we've hired more than 50 employees. These achievements reflect our focus on building lasting customer relationships and making a positive impact in Southwest Florida.
See exactly how we price
The Canadians Who Came With Us
When Andy and Kate Bernard relocated to Southwest Florida, several experienced Mazda professionals joined them from Ottawa.
Among them was Ron Lamirande, our Service Manager and a Mazda Master Technician with 30 years of experience as an automotive technician. Ron brings decades of hands-on expertise, extensive Mazda knowledge, and a deep understanding of the brand's vehicles to the Mazda of Port Charlotte service department. Having worked with the family's Canadian dealership, he also brings a familiarity with the Bernards' commitment to knowledgeable, personalized customer service.
Together with more than 50 locally hired employees, these experienced professionals help deliver the expertise, attention to detail, and personal service our family believes in.
The Andy & Phil Mazda Podcast
Get to know the people behind Mazda of Port Charlotte through the Andy & Phil Podcast. Hosted by dealer principal Andrew "Andy" Bernard and general manager Phil Evans, the podcast features conversations about Mazda vehicles, automotive culture, personal experiences, and life beyond the showroom.
With 27 episodes recorded, Andy and Phil share their perspectives on the automotive industry while highlighting connections to the Southwest Florida community. It's a chance to see a more personal side of the team and the people behind our dealership.
Proud to Be Part of Charlotte County
Since opening in 2024, we've hired more than 50 local residents and built relationships with customers throughout Charlotte County. We're committed to supporting our neighbors, creating local opportunities, and giving back through community events and sponsorships.
As the title sponsor of the Zoomers Trick or Trot 5K, we help support scholarships for local high school seniors. We're also proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Under the Moon 5K, benefiting the Rotary Club at Wellen Park.
Through these partnerships, Mazda of Port Charlotte continues to invest in educational opportunities, support local organizations, and participate in events that bring Southwest Florida residents together.
Visit Our Family-Owned Mazda Dealership in Port Charlotte
From a lawn mower repair business in Ottawa to a Mazda dealership serving Southwest Florida, the Bernard family's story has always centered on Mazda and the people who drive its vehicles.
At Mazda of Port Charlotte, we carry that commitment forward through transparent pricing, experienced employees, and a welcoming dealership environment. Whether you're shopping for a new Mazda, exploring pre-owned vehicles, reviewing financing options, or scheduling maintenance, our team is here to make the experience straightforward and enjoyable.
Visit Mazda of Port Charlotte in Port Charlotte, FL, to meet our team and experience our family-owned dealership firsthand. You can also shop our inventory online, explore financing options, schedule a test drive, or contact us with questions before your visit.
Mazda of Port Charlotte
798 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Contact UsHours
| Monday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Sunday | 11:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Monday | 7:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Friday | 7:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Friday | 7:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |