Tracing its roots back to 1922, the story of Sunny King Toyota is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the King Motor Company. What began as a Ford franchise nearly a century ago has evolved into a multi-brand automotive group, with Sunny King Toyota standing out as a pillar of service and community engagement in Alabama. This enduring success story is a testament to family values, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction that defines Sunny King Toyota today.
The narrative begins with E.D. King’s acquisition of the Ford Motor Company franchise, which was then operating as King Motor Co., Inc., branded as Sunny King. This marked the inception of what would become the second oldest Ford franchise in Alabama under continuous family operation, and the 18th oldest in the entire United States. The year 1922 also saw a significant merger involving E.D. King, J.F. King, J.C. Wheeler, Wheeler Motor Company, and Oxford Motor Company, leading to the formation of King-Wheeler Co. This new entity became the authorized dealer for Ford vehicles. A historical advertisement from April 7, 1922, in The Anniston Star, highlighted the extensive experience of both King and Wheeler in the Ford business, assuring customers of “the best and finest service available” at this newly combined dealership.
Located at 110 East Eleventh Street in downtown Anniston, Alabama, King Wheeler Motor Co. quickly established itself, retailing both Ford cars and tractors. The company’s foundational principle was unwavering: “every transaction must be satisfactory…to every customer.” This customer-centric approach laid the groundwork for the future success of Sunny King Toyota and the entire automotive group.
Over time, J.F. King ventured to manage a Lincoln franchise, while E.D. King continued to steer King Wheeler Motor Co., focusing on the Ford franchise. The company’s name was eventually simplified to King Motor Company, officially incorporated as King Motor Co. Inc. on December 15, 1947. The mid-20th century brought a generational shift in leadership. E.D. King, Sr., known for his meticulous and organized business style, passed the torch to his son, E.D. “Sunny” King, Jr. E.D. King, Sr. transitioned to become President and a major shareholder in Anniston National Bank, a precursor to the modern-day Regions Bank.
Under the dynamic leadership of E.D. “Sunny” King, Jr., Sunny King Ford rapidly gained local prominence. His flamboyant and energetic approach, coupled with a magnetic personality, fueled extensive print and electronic advertising campaigns. Sunny King Ford became synonymous with NASCAR stock car racing through sponsorships of renowned drivers like Bill Elliot, Donnie Allison, and Ken Schrader. This high-visibility strategy significantly boosted brand recognition for Sunny King Ford and, by extension, laid a foundation for the future success of Sunny King Toyota.
The growth trajectory of Sunny King Ford necessitated a move in 1971 to a larger, purpose-built facility at 1507 South Quintard Avenue in Anniston, Alabama. This relocation marked the beginning of a period of rapid expansion from 1971 to 1989. During this era, the Sunny King Automotive Group diversified its portfolio, adding franchises including Honda, Chrysler Plymouth, AMC-Jeep-Renault, Isuzu, Subaru, Yugo, Daihatsu, Hyundai, Volvo, Sterling, and Pontiac-Cadillac-GMC, all in Anniston. The expansion extended beyond Anniston with additional Honda franchises in Auburn and Sylacauga, and Acura franchises in Hoover and Huntsville, Alabama. While E.D. King, III and Henry L. King continue to manage the Auburn Honda and Hoover Acura franchises respectively, Sunny King Toyota remained a crucial part of this growing automotive empire.
E.D. King, Jr.’s contributions extended far beyond the automotive industry. He was a respected community leader, recognized as Time Dealer of the Year for Alabama in 1988 and Anniston Star Citizen of the Year in the same year. He was also invited to serve on the Honda Dealer Council, reflecting his industry influence. Philanthropy and community support were central to E.D. King, Jr.’s ethos and the Sunny King organization. Numerous organizations, including the Knox Concert Series, Northeast Alabama Boys and Girls Club, J.S.U Foundation, Rainbow Omega, Salvation Army, United Way, Cerebral Palsy Center, CAST, and Alabama Baptist Children’s Home, along with countless local schools, churches, and charities, benefited from his long-term generosity. Annual events like the Sunny King Charity Classic, the Woodstock 5K, and the Sunny King Criterium, all continue to receive support from the Sunny King Automotive Group, underscoring the ongoing commitment to community enrichment that is also a core value of Sunny King Toyota.
The passing of E.D. King Jr. on September 11, 1990, due to cancer, marked another leadership transition. Patricia M. King became the third King family member to lead the organization, taking charge during a challenging economic recession and a difficult legal environment. In 2015, John T. Bryan, Jr., stepped into the role of President of King Motor Co., Inc., becoming the first non-King family member to hold this position after three generations of King leadership. Under the combined leadership of Patricia M. King and John T. Bryan, Jr., the Sunny King Automotive Group navigated these turbulent times, stabilized, and embarked on a path of unexpected growth and success, further strengthening the Sunny King Toyota brand.
Strategic decisions were made to divest from underperforming franchises and concentrate resources on core brands: Ford, Honda, and Toyota. This focused approach led to new, state-of-the-art facilities for Sunny King Honda (2002) and Sunny King Toyota (2006) in Oxford, Alabama. Furthermore, the original Sunny King Ford facility at 1507 South Quintard Avenue in Anniston underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2013, demonstrating a continued investment in all facets of the Sunny King Automotive Group.
As Lean Smith, former mayor of Oxford, remarked at the 2006 grand opening of the new Sunny King Toyota facility, “Everybody said ‘they can’t run that business’ – y’all surprised everybody.” This statement encapsulates the resilience and success of Sunny King Toyota and the broader Sunny King Automotive Group.
As Sunny King Toyota approaches its centennial anniversary alongside the King Motor Company, the organization stands as a thriving testament to enduring values, strategic adaptation, and a deep-rooted commitment to both its customers and the communities it serves. Sunny King Toyota is not just a dealership; it’s a legacy of automotive excellence in Alabama.
