Mertens Garage was started as a repair service in Dorchester in 1944 by Albert Mertens.
In 1946 Albert's brother, John, joined as a partner and added his trucking business and that same year they took on NASH automotives.
Late 1946 or early 1947 they dropped NASH and took on Kaiser Frasier automobiles. By May of 1949 they also acquired a DESOTO Plymouth franchise and dropped Kaiser Frasier.
1952 John Mertens left the partnership and separated his trucking business from Albert's automobile dealership.
On May 21st, 1952 Dennis Mertens, Albert's son, joined the company.
October 1961, Desoto ceased to be built and left Plymouth to remain. In 1963 Chrysler was added making it Chrysler Plymouth.
In 1966, the business was moved to its current location on Highway 13 in Medford. By April of 1968, Henry Mertens joined the company and Albert Mertens passed away on August 15th of the same year.
Mertens acquired the American Motors & Jeep franchise in 1975 and in 1982, Mitchell Mertens, joined the business part-time.
In 1987 Chrysler took over Jeep.
February 1, 1990 Mitchell Mertens began working at the franchise fulltime.
January, 1996, Henry Mertens retired.
Thomas Mertens joined the business in March of 1996 and on December 31, 1998 Dennis Mertens retired.
Mertens acquired the Dodge franchise in June, 2002.