Vehicle sales rose during construction

An auto dealer celebrates the completion of a 5 million renovation.
By DON SHILLING
VINDICATOR BUSINESS EDITOR
WARREN -- Diane Sauer Chevrolet pulled off something surprising during its massive, two-and-a-half-year construction project -- increased sales.
Normally, sales decline when dealers are remodeling, said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.
Diane Sauer sold 937 new cars and trucks in 2005. Last year, when its construction work was in full swing, it sold 1,187.
"These results are outstanding," said Peper, who attended a grand-opening ceremony Tuesday for the new dealership at 700 Niles Road.
Sauer attributed the increase to the hard work of her staff, the new location and marketing.
Sauer moved from West Market Street in June 2004 because of a contract dispute with the property owner. She chose a former Oldsmobile dealership that needed major renovations and expansion.
She spent nearly 5 million on the project, which was completed in December.
The service department was expanded and fitted with all new equipment. A new parts department was built. The showroom was remodeled with Chevrolet's new design plan. Additional property was bought so that the dealership could stock 600 new cars.
"This is absolutely stunning," said Jim Bunnell, manager for Chevrolet's north central region.
Solving space problem
Sauer said the dealership didn't have enough room to stock its inventory of vehicles, store records or park employees' cars when they moved in 2004. The dealership rented lots and storage space as the construction progressed.
One of the first steps was to take over six acres behind the dealership and prepare it as a lot for new cars.
Bunnell credited the perseverance of the dealership's 63 employees. He noted that Todd Calvin has been named the top technician in the multistate region for suspension and steering testing. He was selected over 424 other technicians.
Also, Terry Krol was named the top technician for engine performance testing in the region. He was selected over 797 other technicians.
Peper noted that Sauer herself has assumed leadership roles to help Chevrolet and the industry.
She recently became the first female president of the Auto Dealers Association of Ohio and has been on the Chevrolet dealers council for many years. She also was among those who helped developed the new design for Chevrolet stores.
Mayor Michael O'Brien thanked Sauer for deciding to stay downtown.
Sauer said she never gave a thought to leaving.
"It's important to feel a part of the community," she said.
shilling@vindy.com