About Us

History

1935:

Joseph Ruge opened a one-pump Sunoco gas station and repair shop across from Rhinebeck’s Beekman Arms. Ruge's soon became an Oldsmobile dealer. Joseph's brother Herman, who sold cars in the Bronx, helped ship vehicles by rail up to Rhinecliff station.

1938:

Success motivated Joseph to move to a 3-bay garage at 6444 Montgomery Street, just a quarter mile from its original location, but "much too far out of town," according to locals. His son, Lewis Ruge, was born later that year.

1949:

A new Oldsmobile showroom was added.

1963:

After completing college and serving for 3 years as an Officer in the United States Air Force, Lewis joined his dad as a partner in the business.

1970:

Lewis saw a market for a smaller economy car and became one of America’s very first Subaru dealers.

1985:

Celebrating 50 years, Ruge's opened a Chrysler Plymouth Dodge location in Red Hook.

1989:

Ruge's opened a wholesale auto parts and accessories store in Red Hook, employing more locals and adding to its position as an industry leader in the Hudson River Valley.

1997:

As the demand for Subaru vehicles grew Ruge's built a brand-new showroom across the street from its original Oldsmobile location.

2016:

The business expanded with the purchase of Audia Motor Sales, now known as Ruge's Chevrolet on route 44 in Millbrook, NY.

2020:

Ruge's purchased Rhinebeck Ford, just down the road from Ruge's CDJ. Ruge's Ford became the fourth rooftop in the family of dealerships!

2024:

Ruge’s Subaru opens a new state-of-the-art Service facility on the site of the old Stamp plant on Route 9G near the Ford & CDJ dealerships.

Operated in part by third-generation owner Kristin Ruge Hutchins, with over 100 employees in its 4 locations, Ruge's Automotive has something for everyone: a healthy, positive workplace that fosters ongoing professional and personal development for employees; an easy-to-navigate, transparent sales and service experience for customers; beautiful, modern facilities, and an unwavering willingness to support the needs of neighbors and nonprofits in the community.

Through it all, Ruge’s weathers the storms and lights the way: from the gas shortage in the 20th century to the recession in the new millennium - from the termination of the Oldsmobile Brand to troubled times for Chrysler and General Motors. Evolving the business model as times change, focusing on core competencies, attracting and retaining the right team, and remaining steadfastly devoted to customer-focused values, Ruge's Automotive is, indeed, a pillar of the community. No doubt going way beyond what the young Joseph Ruge ever imagined. We are Ruge's Automotive. And we're just getting started.

Here for You at Ruge’s Ford

Whether you're in the market for a new Ford vehicle, a deal on one of our used cars for sale, or you need maintenance done on your vehicle, we're always ready and waiting to help you get what you need. We live by the golden rule at Ruge's Ford and we treat everyone who visits us exactly how we would want to be treated. We make each transaction with us easy and transparent, from sales to navigating auto financing deals, and we make caring for your vehicle for the long haul easier as well, with expert service and Ford parts centers. So contact us today to get started. We look forward to meeting you!