Behind the Bowtie: The History of Chevrolet in Jacksonville

Our staff and volunteers, serving our community rain or shine!

Every town has a story, and in Jacksonville, North Carolina, one of those stories wears a bowtie, on the grille to be exact. Chevrolet has long been a trusted name across the country, but here in North Carolina, the brand carries something deeper: memories, milestones, and a whole lot of miles traveled together. At the center of that story is Marine Chevrolet, a dealership that has “grown-up” right alongside the community it proudly serves.

It All Started with a Promise

Marine Chevrolet first opened its doors with a mission that was simple but powerful: treat every customer like family and support the military community that defines Eastern North Carolina. Set just miles from Camp Lejeune, our dealership quickly became a trusted destination for active-duty Marines, veterans, and their families.

Whether it was helping a young Lance Corporal buy his first used vehicle or making sure a military spouse felt confident behind the wheel of a brand new Traverse, Marine Chevrolet built a legacy not just of sales, but of service to those that serve us.

From the Start, Built to Serve

Marine Chevrolet was founded on a principle that still guides us today: serve the people who serve this country. Located just down the road from Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, we’ve proudly supported our military neighbors since day one.

Our relationship with the military isn’t a marketing tagline — it’s personal. Many of our team members are veterans or military family members themselves, and we understand firsthand the challenges and sacrifices that come with service life. That’s why we work hard to provide transparent pricing, exclusive military incentives, and flexible service options that work with unpredictable schedules.

We Don’t Just Work Here — We Show Up Here

Being a part of Jacksonville means showing up. Whether it’s lending a hand, sponsoring a cause, or volunteering time, Marine Chevrolet believes in being an active partner in our hometown.

Here are just a few of the ways we pour back into the community:

MCCS Car & Bike Show

As proud title sponsors of the MCCS Car & Bike Show on base, we celebrate the shared love of horsepower and style with our service members. We showcase new models, connect with our military community face-to-face, and award standout rides across categories — all while strengthening the bond between local businesses and our armed forces.

School Partnerships

Education matters. That’s why Marine Chevrolet is a consistent supporter of local schools, helping fund athletics, teacher appreciation initiatives, and student organizations. We believe investing in education is investing in the future of Eastern Carolina.

Local Nonprofits

We pride ourselves in working with local nonprofits like the Jacksonville Onslow Sports Commission or the United Way of Onslow County, Marine Chevrolet is always looking for meaningful ways to give back. If it supports people, purpose, and progress, it’s safe to say we want in.

Eastern Carolina’s Truck Capital, With a Heart

While we’re proud to be known as Eastern Carolina’s Truck and Tire Capital, we know our real value lies in the trust we’ve earned from our neighbors. Whether you’re shopping for your first car, upgrading to fit your growing family, or visiting our service department for the third time this year, you’re not just a customer — you’re family.

At Marine Chevrolet, we measure our success not only by monthly numbers and quotas, but by community impact. The handshakes, the hometown partnerships, the chance to be there when it matters, that’s what fuels us.

Our Bowtie, Your Story

So when you see that Chevy emblem gleaming in the sunlight — on a Silverado hauling gear to the coast, or on a Traverse pulling into an Onslow County school’s parking lot, know this: it represents more than a vehicle. It represents a local business rooted in pride, purpose, and people.

Because Behind the Bowtie, there’s a community that drives us. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

See you on the road, Eastern Carolina.

—The (Com)mute by Marine Chevrolet