POSITIVE TREND

Bob and Chuck Eddy certified by magazine

By ELISE FRANCO

Vindicator staff writer

AUSTINTOWN — One of the country’s most reputable automotive magazines has recognized Bob and Chuck Eddy Chrysler Dodge Jeep above all other dealerships in the state.

Motor Trend has designated the Austintown dealership a Motor Trend Certified Advantage Dealership, said Joe Negley, senior vice president of sales and marketing at EasyCare. EasyCare trains dealership employees to meet the requirements of an advantage dealership.

Negley said the Eddy dealership is one of 35 in the country to have earned this designation and the first in Ohio. The program kicked off Monday morning as Bob and Chuck Eddy, representatives from Motor Trend and local politicians gathered at the dealership on Mahoning Avenue.

“Motor Trend saw an opportunity to use the power in their name to assure consumers they’re getting a great car from a great dealer for a great price,” Negley said.

“Bob and Chuck Eddy have very high standards and have proven their leadership in sales and service.”

By operating as Motor Trend certified, Negley said the dealership will be able to provide consumers with advantages such as mechanical-repair coverage, key replacement, 24/7 concierge service, dent repair and a Best Value guarantee.

He said though the selection process for dealerships is stringent, it was almost natural to choose Bob and Chuck Eddy.

“The things that made this decision easy were the high level of repeat and referral customers they had,” Negley said. “They’re already doing a lot of things right. They were the most excited by the opportunity to pioneer it in this area, so it’s a no-brainer.”

Chuck Eddy said the designation is most important for the dealership because of what it will mean to buyers.

“People believe in Motor Trend,” he said. “It’s huge for our consumers.”

Eddy said it’s been a humbling experience for him and his father, and at the same time “it’s an enhancement to the value packages we’ve offered here for years.”

Negley said the program was developed in 2008 and was tested in the first few dealerships in early 2009. He said 30 to 40 more dealerships are in the application process, and the program will max out at about 1,100 dealerships across the country.

The Eddys do have some advantages as the first in Ohio, Negley said, but others will follow suit.

“Being first is always an advantage, and they can capitalize on marketing,” he said.

State Rep. Ron Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th, and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, were on hand to show their support to the longtime car dealers.

“This means we can be proud of ourselves and of the Valley,” Gerberry said. “They’ve proven they’re the finest Chrysler dealership in Ohio.”

Ryan said the designation by Motor Trend proves Bob and Chuck Eddy’s continued dedication to the Mahoning Valley.

“It shows a commitment to the community and it’s stability,” he said. “It was important that it was a family business.”

Eddy said the dealership, which opened in 1969, is the only one in the Mahoning Valley that is still operating in its original location.

For more information on the Motor Trend Certified Advantage, visit www.eddyadvantage.com or www.motortrendcertified.com.

efranco@vindy.com