MAY 21, 2009 ISSUE
Ross, Mack Brown To Remain In Business
Raymond Goda, general manager and operating partner of Ross Chrysler Jeep Dodge, was pleased to learn that his business caught the golden parachute during a liquidation of hundreds of Chrysler dealerships. The Mack Brown Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GM dealership in Boone also received a letter from GM last week, meaning it too will remain in business. Photo by Ken Ketchie Last Friday, Chrysler dealerships around the nation received letters from the company that clearly spelled out that particular location’s future: who will go and who will stay.
The letter delivered to Ross Chrysler Jeep Dodge around 11:00 a.m. last Friday “means we stay in business and continue to service the community,” said Raymond Goda, general manager and operating partner of Ross Chrysler Jeep Dodge.
Many other dealerships around the country, however, did not receive such good news.
“Seven hundred and eighty-nine [dealerships] are going to be terminated due to the bankruptcy filing by Chrysler going to Chapter 11,” Goda said.
The Mack Brown Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GM dealership also received word last Friday that it will stay in business, even as 1,100 GM dealerships across the country are shut down, said owner Kent Brown.
As word has spread of the many dealerships slated to close, Goda has received many phone calls from apprehensive clients.
“I’ve had customers call all the way from Florida to make sure we will still be here…and we will,” he said.
Chrysler liquidated the 25 percent of their dealerships that, together, produced 14 percent of its revenue.
“We’re in the 75 percent category that produces 86 percent of [Chrysler’s] results,” he added.
Recognized by the manufacturer as a five-star dealer, Ross Chrysler Jeep Dodge has excelled at taking care of its customers, employees and sales volume over the years. It has also been in compliance with the Genesis program that requires all three brands to be under one roof with sufficient space, Goda said.
“Chrysler recognizes Boone as an area that buys Chryslers, Jeeps and Dodges,” Goda said. “Chrysler believes in the people of this community. There wouldn’t be any need for us if people weren’t buying the product.”
Most of the new and used cars at the dealership are four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In addition to being an outlet for car sales and trade-ins, Ross Chrysler Jeep Dodge provides warranty work on its three vehicle makes and has certified technicians on-site for repairs.
“We have a good client base that drives four-wheel vehicles and is committed to having good four-wheel drive vehicles,” Goda said.
Ross Chrysler Jeep Dodge also maintains good rapport with the local community.
“We are a big sponsor of ASU, we have helped with Watauga High School fundraisers and [we have] donated to multiple charities,” Goda said, adding that those coming to him from ASU seeking sponsorship know they will not be refused help.
Goda has 26 employees at Ross Chrysler Jeep Dodge, some of which are long-tender employees of nine, 12 or even 15 years, he said.
“They still have jobs...[they] are very happy. It all goes back to Boone doing its part,” Goda said. “Chrysler sees this [area] as a valuable market.”
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