Our Story

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Our Long Island story began way back in 1962 with our founder, Joseph C. Buzzetta.

Known simply as Joe to friends and family, our founder, Joseph C. Buzzetta, grew up with a passion for cars that was impossible to ignore. Born and raised in Huntington, Joe got his start in the automotive world as a kid, washing and polishing cars. By the age of 18, he was already selling vehicles at a local Long Island dealership—his love for the industry was undeniable.

After proudly serving in the U.S. military overseas, Joe returned to New York and briefly worked at his family’s beloved restaurant, Bella Vista, which was located in Centerport. But the pull of the automotive world remained strong. With the support of his good friend Oscar Rubio, Joe opened his first auto service shop on Smithtown Boulevard in Nesconset. That modest shop would grow into something much bigger. Over time, Joe’s vision expanded—he acquired several franchises, including prestigious brands like Mercedes-Benz, and relocated the business to Route 25, establishing the roots of what would become a premier family-owned Long Island car dealership group.

As the business grew, so did the family’s involvement. Joe’s children—Joe Jr., Jim, and Nancy—joined him in continuing the tradition of excellence, integrity, and passion for customer service. Today, Competition Auto Group represents some of the most respected automotive brands on Long Island, all while remaining deeply connected to the community that built it.

The Buzzetta family doesn’t just work here—they live here. Their commitment to Long Island runs deep, with ongoing support for organizations like St. Charles Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, Alternatives for Children, Paws of War, LI 2 Day Breast Cancer Walk, Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Smithtown Children’s Foundation, Celebrate St. James, and many more.

At every Competition dealership, you’ll find more than just high-performance vehicles—you’ll find a team that treats you like family. We’re proud to be a trusted name among Long Island dealerships, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with every guest who walks through our doors.

Welcome to the Competition family—we can’t wait to meet you!