Directions 2010: Automotive

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Did you know that …

One auto dealer’s service department is staffed with experienced technicians who receive, on average,

twice the training GM requires?

There is only one place in Muncie to get the

complete line of Harley-Davidson clothing,

footwear and collectibles?

A new practical utility vehicle is on the market that can save companies

thousands of dollars a year in fuel costs, compared to less fuel-efficient vehicles with similar capabilities?

You can find free wireless internet, free hot chocolate

and coffee, a courtesy shuttle service, child play

area, a comfortable lounge with cable television as well as a personal

computer with internet access and work area at

one local dealer?

Find out more inside!

NEXT SUNDAY: ANOTHER DIRECTIONS SECTION FEATURING MORE GREAT AREA BUSINESSES AND SERVICES

A special advertising section by

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2H • Sunday, March 21, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT

By Ken Wickliffe

Over the past few months, changes at General Motors have been overshadowed by problems among some of its competitors, and consum-

ers have been re-thinking what had become, for some, “conventional wisdom” regarding automo-bile quality, safety and reliability. During these and all other times, American Chevrolet Cadillac of Muncie is proud to continue to serve all of its loyal customers — and is pleased to welcome many new ones who have come to recognize the value and long-term durability of Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles.

“Above all, I want to thank our customers for the confidence they continue to place in us,” said Steve DeAnda, president of the dealership. “Even as the auto industry has been going through some difficult times, our local market share continues to increase due to the loyalty of our existing customers and their willingness to recommend us to their friends and family members.”

The highest-ranked GM dealership in this area in customer satisfaction, American Chevrolet Cadillac focuses on providing value to the people of Muncie and surrounding areas.

“We know there are dozens of places our custom-ers can buy a new Chevrolet, Cadillac or pre-owned vehicle, but they choose to buy here — and to keep coming back — because we’re hard-working people who share their values and their high personal stan-dards,” said Rod Huffman, general sales manager at the dealership.

Stability and ExperienceIn an industry where turnover on sales staffs

can exceed 100 percent per year, American still has most of the same salespeople it had in 2003, when DeAnda purchased the dealership.

“My objective from the beginning has been to have a smaller staff of dedicated employees who stay at the dealership long-term,” he explained. “This way, when you as a customer come back in, you know the person who gave you his or her word will still be here.”

Similarly, the service department at American is staffed with experienced technicians who receive, on average, twice the training GM requires, Huffman said.

Two technicians at the dealership — Robbie Dalton and Ben Reynolds — have attained GM’s most elite ranking: World Class Technician.

In the world, there are 1,375 World Class Technicians, and only 46 of them are in Indiana. Two of those 46 work at American Chevrolet Cadillac.

“Most dealerships do not have one GM Certified World Class Technician; American has two,” DeAnda said. “Whether for topping off fluids, repairs or warranty work, your car is in good hands at American.”

Value for Residents of Muncie and Surrounding Areas

To make certain that customers are always offered the best value, American Chevrolet Cadillac searches prices at dealerships within a 500-mile radius before setting its own price on a vehicle.

“For pre-owned vehicles, we set our price at 92 percent or less of what others are charging for comparable models,” DeAnda said.

“In the service department, we compare our prices with those of other dealerships and ser-vice providers, setting our prices lower so our customers get a better deal here than they’d get anywhere else.

“We care about our customers, and we want to provide a lot of value for residents of Muncie and surrounding areas.”

Community Involvement An active member of the community, American

Chevrolet Cadillac has supported more than 100 area groups, organizations and charities, includ-ing A Better Way Foundation, the American Cancer Society, United Way of Delaware County, Ball State University, many area schools, and sev-eral Little League teams.

In addition, the dealership cooperates with local agencies to sponsor free car seat safety checks to help ensure children’s safety seats are in good working order and installed properly.

“Community awareness and involvement comes naturally for us,” Huffman said. “Our staff members are also citizens who care about making our community an even better place to live.”

Convenience and AccessibilityLocated at 4101 W. Clara Ln., American

Chevrolet Cadillac’s sales department is open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday. The service and parts departments are open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The dealership may be contacted at (765) 289-1801, or online at driveamerican.com.

“Above all, I want to thank our customers for the confidence they continue to place in us. Even as the auto industry has been going through some difficult times, our lcoal market share continues to increase due to the loyalty of our existing customers and their willingness to recommend us to their friends and family members.” — Steve DeAnda, President (pictured above)

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BENSON MOTORCYLESBy Ken Wickliffe

For the past 30 years, the staff of Benson Motorcycles have been sharing their passion for Harley-Davidson, maker of the world’s

finest motorcycles and accessories, with new and experienced riders.

Since Phil Benson founded the dealership in 1981, Benson Motorcycles has expanded from its original 6,000 square-foot facility to the current 23,000 square-foot showroom, service center and accessories store — a premier Harley-Davidson dealership that serves as a destination for motorcyclists from the Muncie area and across the Midwest.

The dream of the open roadRepresenting the world’s most-admired and

most-wanted brand of motorcycle the staff mem-bers at Benson Motorcycles know that owning a Harley-Davidson is, for many, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

When Benson staff members are not recom-mending and selling new and pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles, accessories, clothing and custom parts, they often can be found on the road — riding alongside their customers, said Jennifer Benson, events coordinator and market-ing director at the dealership.

“Everyone has his or her own reason for rid-ing,” she said. “The adventure of the open road, the relief of stress, the friendship with other riders, the ability to see places and sights from a completely different perspective — those are only a few of the reasons people ride a Harley-Davidson.”

Harley Owners’ Group and Ladies of HarleyThe sponsor of Muncie’s 300-member H.O.G.

(Harley Owners’ Group) Chapter, as well as the 30-member Ladies of Harley Chapter, Benson Motorcycles frequently organizes rides and social events, often to raise money for charities and service organizations. Both chapters offer a friendly, welcoming environment to meet other riders, take part in local and regional events, and form new friendships with others who share their passion for riding.

Genuine Harley-Davidson parts and accessories

In addition to being the only official local Harley-Davidson dealer, Benson’s is Muncie’s sole source for the complete line of Harley-Davidson clothing, footwear and collectibles, Benson said.

“Harley-Davidson keeps its line of clothing current, offering a blend of tradition and today’s fashions, so genuine Harley-Davidson clothing is

ideal for wearing on or off of a motorcycle,” she said. “There’s nothing more distinctive than our genuine clothing and collectibles — for yourself or as a gift.”

As part of its range of accessories, Benson Motorcycles offers a full line of Genuine Harley-Davidson Owner’s Rings, which are custom-designed for and by each customer.

“The rings, available in several sizes and designs, can include a variety of personalized information such as the type of bike owned and the owner’s name or nickname,“ Benson explained. “On the inside of the ring can be inscribed the Vehicle Identification Number of his or her bike.”

Customers can design a ring on the Benson’s website, and then come in to the dealership to order it. An ideal gift, the Harley-Davidson Owner’s Ring comes in a personalized presenta-tion box inscribed with the owner’s name.

Expert, factory-certified serviceThe technicians at Benson Motorcycles know

that proper care of a motorcycle impacts its safety and reliability, and they stand ready to share their expertise and advice with fellow Harley owners.

“A Harley-Davidson motorcycle is an invest-ment that can provide an owner with year after year of pleasure,” Benson said. “Our ser-vice department, which is staffed with Harley-Davidson-trained and licensed technicians, pro-vides riders with the assurance that their motor-cycle is getting the best care possible, giving them confidence that it will be safe and reliable

on any road they want to ride.”The only local motorcycle service facility that

has factory-trained and authorized technicians, Benson Motorcycles is the local source for any warranty and recall service to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, she added.

“We receive the technical service bulletins advising us of any changes to service and main-tenance procedures, and we have access to the genuine Harley-Davidson parts that are needed to complete any maintenance or repair work in the factory-approved manner,” Benson said.

“It comes down to one simple thing: A Harley-Davidson motorcycle is an investment that our owners take great pride in, and we share that pride.”

Riding season is almost hereLocated at 6410 W. McGalliard, Benson

Motorcycles is now open on its summer sched-ule — Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Spring is an ideal time to have a motorcycle serviced, Benson said, to ensure that it’s ready to ride when the first warm days arrive.

And, for those who don’t yet own a Harley-Davidson, now is the best time to visit the dealer-ship and turn a dream into reality.

To learn more about Harley-Davidson motor-cycles and accessories, or to schedule service, contact Benson Motorcycles at (765) 288-1817. Or, visit the dealership’s website, which lists all new and pre-owned motorcycles currently in stock, at bensonmotorcycles.com.

“Everyone has his or her own reason for riding,” she said. “The adventure of the open road, the relief of stress, the friendship with other riders, the ability to see places and sights from a completely different perspective — those are only a few of the reasons

people ride a Harley-Davidson.” — Jennifer Benson, Events Coordinator and Marketing Director

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By Ken Wickliffe

Despite a weak national economy, Ford Motor Company recently declared a profit for 2009. Ford‘s vehicles, which have come

to symbolize the ability of a well-run American company to compete in a world market, have been widely praised for their exceptional quality by consumer organizations, automotive publica-tions, and drivers alike.

Bill McCoy Ford Lincoln Mercury is Muncie’s dealer for the company’s entire line of cars, trucks, crossovers, SUVs, and commercial vehi-cles. Family-owned for its entire 31 years in business, the local dealership parallels Ford’s world-class quality with its own reputation for a knowledgeable, professional sales staff and skilled, highly-trained service technicians.

“My dad founded the dealership in 1979, and many on our staff have been with us 20 years or more, which makes for tremendous customer loy-alty,” said Mike McCoy, owner of the dealership. “We know our customers, and they know us.

“We take pride in being upfront, honest and straightforward with all of our customers, wheth-er someone has bought several vehicles here or is buying his or her first one.”

Ford QualityWith a car line that includes the Ford Fusion

and Mercury Milan hybrids, America’s most fuel-efficient sedans, as well as the award-winning, all-new Taurus and Taurus SHO, Ford Motor Company’s entire vehicle line is consistently highly-ranked for quality by such organizations as J.D. Power and Associates. Moreover, the company’s quality ratings keep climbing, with an overall increase of 17 index points last year, J.D. Power has announced.

Ford’s emphasis on quality has produced the industry’s best vehicles, and in the process placed the company in a stronger financial position than other carmakers. Ford never had to accept any government bailout money, McCoy noted.

“With such models as the Ford Fusion and Focus, the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, Ford has been responding to market trends, placing more emphasis on its car lineup,” he said. “These cars offer the same quality that has made Ford’s trucks and SUVs leaders in the market.”

The Ford F-150, just redesigned for last year, is one of the world’s best-selling vehicles of all time, with some 32 million F-series pickups made since Ford introduced the truck over 60 years ago. Ford

also offers America’s most efficient hybrid SUVs — the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.

New vehicles for 2010 also include the Transit Connect, a practical utility vehicle that can save companies thousands of dollars a year in fuel costs, compared to less fuel-efficient vehicles with similar capabilities.

Lincoln’s new MKT, a full-size luxury crossover, offers a full complement of innovative, high-tech features, spacious seating for up to seven passen-gers, and excellent fuel economy for its class.

The Mustang, restyled for 2010, is the latest version of the company’s legendary pony car — a car that gave birth to an entire class of vehicles.

“Henry Ford’s original vision and innovation stays with the company today, which is why Ford remains a leader in the United States, as well as Spain, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, and throughout the world,” McCoy said.

Service Department and Body ShopOne of the first dealerships in the Muncie area

to offer Saturday service hours, Bill McCoy Ford Lincoln Mercury’s service department employs experienced, Ford Certified technicians.

“With the complexity of vehicles today, there are far more electronic components than in the past, new fuel systems, high-tech safety compo-nents — and a growing number of hybrid pow-ertrains,” McCoy said. “Our service department offers our customers convenience, value and the

confidence that their Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle is being serviced by someone who knows it from top to bottom.”

Technicians perform a thorough multi-point inspection on all vehicles brought in for service, paying special attention to the brakes, exhaust system and other safety-related systems.

“The service department helps customers keep up with their vehicles’ maintenance needs and avoid the need for major repairs,” McCoy said. “In today’s economy, people want to save money and prolong a vehicle’s life, so having it serviced regularly by the people who know it better than anyone else makes more sense than ever.”

The body shop offers expert, full-service collision repair of all makes and models, works with all insur-ance companies, and offers car rentals, towing and courtesy transportation to and from the dealership.

Located at 2001 E. McGalliard Rd., Muncie, Bill McCoy Ford Lincoln Mercury’s sales depart-ment is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. The service and parts departments are open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday. The phone number is (765) 289-0431.

The dealership’s website, www.mccoyford.com, allows shoppers to find special offers, browse the inventory of new and used vehicles, search for a specific vehicle, apply for financing or schedule a service or body shop visit.

“We take pride in being upfront, honest and straightforward with all of our customers, whether someone has bought several vehicles here or is buying his

or her first one. We know our customers, and they know us.” — Mike McCoy, owner

BILL MCCOY FORDLINCOLNMERCURY

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By Ken Wickliffe

From the all-new, critically-acclaimed Buick Regal and LaCrosse, to the GMC Terrain and GMC’s entire line of professional grade

trucks, Stoops Buick Pontiac GMC has a vehi-cle for every purpose and preference. Equally important, the dealership’s overriding goal of 100 percent customer satisfaction ensures that world-class vehicles — and their owners — receive unmatched personal service and care.

Buick“The completely redesigned 2010 Buick

LaCrosse luxury sedan is the newest example of the globally influenced product renaissance at Buick,” the company says. Advancing the suc-cess of the Enclave crossover SUV, the LaCrosse offers unparalleled technology and attention to detail, and is winning over drivers who had pre-viously considered only imported luxury sport sedans.

Buick’s Lucerne, which starts at under $30,000 offers a full suite of available premium features, including OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation, lane-departure and blind-zone alert systems, heated and cooled seats, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. Also available is GM’s acclaimed Northstar V8.

The Enclave crossover, offering seven- or eight-passenger seating and Buick’s exclusive Quiet Tuning technology, is the ideal vehicle for drivers and families who need space and versatility, but still want the feel of a fine luxury sedan.

2011 RegalArriving at the dealership within weeks will be

Buick’s 2011 Regal, a sport-sedan that continues the company’s renaissance by re-introducing a familiar Buick nameplate. Billed as a “Buick bred on the autobahn,” the new Regal is already a sales success elsewhere in the world, and offers sleek lines, capable powertrains and performance on a par with the very best sport sedans in its class — foreign or domestic.

GMC: Professional GradeOffering 32 miles per gallon on the highway,

GMC’s new Terrain has become a phenomenal suc-cess by giving drivers the versatility and luxury they expect in an SUV, with the fuel economy of a car.

The seven- or eight-passenger Acadia offers the cargo-hauling, family-friendly qualities of a full-size SUV along with class-leading fuel economy, excel-lent handling and a refined ride.

One of the most admired vehicles on the road, GMC’s capable, luxurious Yukon has become the “go to” vehicle for people who need to both carry passengers and tow or haul heavy loads.

GMC’s pickup trucks — the Canyon and Sierra — offer a wide range of trim packages, as well as available high payload and towing capacities, to suit the requirements of either work or play.

All GMC vehicles are available with two-wheel drive or either four- or all-wheel drive, making GMC the ideal vehicle for people who need to keep going when the road ends or the weather turns bad.

PontiacWhile Pontiac is no longer producing new

vehicles, Stoops Buick Pontiac GMC continues to value its Pontiac customers, providing ongo-ing service and continuing to offer Pontiacs as pre-owned vehicles.

Stoopsauto.comThe ideal first stop for car shoppers, Stoopsauto.

com offers the ability to shop for and compare vehicles, check pricing, search new and used vehicle inventory, get an appraisal of a trade-in, apply for financing, schedule service and shop for parts and accessories.

When online customers have questions or want additional information, Pat Bowen or Shelby Cloyd, internet sales specialists, often responds within minutes, or for after-hours requests, at the beginning of the next business day.

Service, Parts and Body Shop: At the Forefront

“Some auto dealers refer to their service depart-ments as the ‘back end’ of the business, but to me service sits right at the front,” Randy Stoops explains. “Our people in the service department, parts depart-ment and body shop work extra-hard to provide our customers the ownership satisfaction they deserve and that they’ve come to expect from us.”

Community InvolvementStoops Buick Pontiac GMC works closely with

Ball State University’s athletic department, sup-plying cars for several of the university’s coaches and athletic directors. Randy Stoops has also served as chairman of the board of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and currently serves on the board of directors of Ball State’s Cardinal Varsity Club.

Located at 4055 W. Clara Lane, Stoops Buick Pontiac GMC’s sales department is open 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday. Service hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 8 - 4 on Saturday. The body shop is open weekdays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The dealership is always open online, 24-hours a day, at Stoopsauto.com.

“The completely redesigned 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan is the newest example of the globally influenced product renaissance at Buick.”

— the company said in a statement

STOOPS BUICK PONTIAC

GMC

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By Ken Wickliffe

Praised worldwide for innovation, reliability and efficiency, Honda vehicles have been honored by virtually every automotive and

consumer testing organization. Because buyers of a high-quality vehicle deserve a dealership of equally high merit, Tom Wood Honda of Anderson maintains standards of excellence that have brought many awards to the dealership.

“Always thinking of the customer’s needs and wants is my main focus,” says Bill Richardson, managing partner for Tom Wood Honda. “I am here every day, open until close, making sure we offer a high standard of reliable service and products to our customers.”

Evidence of the dealership’s emphasis on customer satisfaction can be seen in numerous awards, he said. Tom Wood Honda has been the recipient of such honors as Honda’s exclu-sive President’s Award for satisfying custom-ers, and the Honda Financial Services “Council of Excellence Award” for supporting Honda’s financial arm in assisting customers with all their financial needs, whether they have an excellent or challenged credit history.

“All this adds up to good, old-fashioned cus-tomer service, which is what we are here for,” Richardson said. “In this economy, people are trying to conserve their cash resources and make their best buying or service decisions, so product reliability and a dealer’s reputation for taking care of people is, understandably, crucial to our customers.

“Providing our customers with the quality and value they want and need is a vital focus of my entire team here at Tom Wood Honda.”

Because the dealership’s emphasis is on cus-tomer satisfaction, there is an individual rath-er than a “high volume” approach, Richardson explained. Accordingly, the sales staff at Tom Wood Honda is not compensated on commis-sion.

World-Class Honda QualityLast month, Car and Driver magazine

announced its 28th annual “Ten Best” awards, and the Honda Accord appeared on this presti-gious list for the 24th time, more than any other vehicle, Richardson said. Car and Driver noted that the Accord continues to impress with its platform, which the magazine called, “as solid

and unyielding as a shotgun barrel.”In addition, consumer testing organizations

confirm that American Honda Motor Company is one of the world’s best overall auto manufactur-ers, with many models listed as “best buys” and receiving high marks for resale value, reliability, durability, and low cost of ownership..

As Honda’s local partner, Tom Wood Honda maintains the same high standards, ensuring that East-Central Indiana Honda owners have a world-class experience.

Tom Wood — A Known and Trusted NameA household name, Tom Wood has been sat-

isfying Indiana customers for more than 40 con-secutive years. Tom Wood offers advantages such as a complimentary car wash with every service visit, free wireless internet in the showroom and service waiting areas, free hot chocolate and coffee, purified and chilled drinking water, a courtesy shuttle service, child play area, a com-fortable customer lounge with cable television as well as a personal computer with internet access and work area for customers to use while visiting the dealership.

Service — “Best in Quality. Best in Value.”Technicians at Tom Wood Honda are factory-

trained to ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified specifications and have one goal in mind — to service the customer’s car right the first

time, on time, every time, Richardson said.“Our investment in technology and training

means that we are able to diagnose a problem much more accurately and in less time than an independent shop, which in turn saves custom-ers money,” he explained. “We are always work-ing hard to ensure we provide a great value.”

For the convenience of customers, Tom Wood Honda offers late-evening and Saturday service hours.

Quality Pre-Owned Cars and TrucksIn line with consumers’ increasing demand for

value, the sales department at Tom Wood Honda has been focusing on providing a wide selec-tion of pre-owned vehicles to supplement the dealership’s inventory of new Hondas, according to Jason Shively, pre-owned sales manager.

“We attend several manufacturer and bank auctions in an effort to supply these vehicles,“ he said. “Our success in pre-owned sales comes from our efforts in not only finding the best cars and trucks, but doing all the necessary recondi-tioning to them that most auto dealers opt out of completing.”

A “Certified CarFax Dealer,” Tom Wood Honda performs a fastidious 150 point inspection and reconditioning process to most used units -- and then backs that up with a 12-month or 12,000-mile Tom Wood certified warranty, Shively said.

Involved in the CommunityIn addition to local school organizations and

groups, the Tom Wood Auto Group supports the Indiana Children’s Make-A-Wish Fund, Riley Hospital for Children, the March of Dimes and several other local and statewide charities.

Hours and AccessibilityA short drive from Muncie, Tom Wood Honda

is located on the north side of Anderson at 3551 State Road 9 North. Sales hours are 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday. The service and parts departments are open from 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. every weekday except Thursday, when these departments remain open until 8 p.m. Saturday service and parts hours are 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Contact the dealership at (765) 642-9991, or online at tomwoodhonda.com. Outside the Muncie-Anderson area, call toll-free at (877) 342-5853 for sales, and (877) 843-8556 for service.

“In this economy, people are trying to conserve their cash resources and make their best buying or service decisions, so product reliability and a

dealer’s reputation for taking care of people is, understandably, crucial to our customers.”

— Bill Richardson, Managing Partner

TOM WOOD HONDA

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By Ken Wickliffe

A dedicated, long-term staff and a consistent emphasis on value, ser-vice and community involvement

have given the family-owned Gaddis dealerships a reputation for turning first-time buyers into lifelong custom-ers.

In business since 1977, Gaddis Chrysler Dodge Jeep has been on the corner of Wheeling and Centennial for its entire history, and several of the employees who were there when the dealership opened are still there. Many others have been there 20 years or more, said Steve Gaddis, general manager.

"We’re the oldest new car dealer in town," he said. "Most of our manag-ers, salespeople and service technicians have been here for a long, long time, and that's because these are people who care about whether the customer is happy.”

Gaddis Hyundai, which opened in 2001, offers a line of high-quality vehi-cles backed by one of the industry's best warranties — and sold and ser-viced by one of the area's most trusted names in the car business.

Jeep Joins the Gaddis FamilyIn 2008, Gaddis became Muncie's

Jeep dealer, bringing the entire Chrysler line together under one roof.

"Chrysler likes having all three of its brands in the same building because the products complement each other well," Gaddis explained. "Here at our dealership, we are already equipped to service Jeeps — we had been providing service to many area Jeep owners for several years."

Jeep offers a product line no one else duplicates, he said.

"Many Jeep owners would not con-sider buying anything else because a Jeep offers unique capabilities," Gaddis said. "Jeep was building SUVs before everyone else started making them, and they're going to continue produc-ing rugged, versatile utility vehicles for people who want and need 'go-any-where' capability."

Service and Body ShopGaddis offers ASE (Automotive Service

Excellence) certified technicians who are factory-trained to work on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Hyundai vehicles, as all four makes are serviced at the Wheeling and Centennial location.

The longevity of the service staff means technicians know customers and their vehicles.

"There's a comfort level and a con-fidence that develop when you come in time after time and see the same people," Gaddis said.

The dealership also operates a full-service body shop that features a state-of-the-art frame rack and downdraft paint booth for "like-new" repairs of all makes and models of vehicles.

Community AwarenessWith deep roots in the East-Central

Indiana community, Gaddis Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Gaddis Hyundai both take active roles in many area groups and organizations.

"Some of the causes our dealer-ships have supported include the Red Cross, Little League baseball and foot-ball teams, several local volunteer fire departments, and events such as Summer Heat," Gaddis said.

Contact Gaddis Chrysler Dodge Jeep, 1717 N. Wheeling Ave., at (765) 289-2361, or online at gaddiscdj.com. Gaddis Hyundai, 504 W. McGalliard, can be reached at (765) 287-8970, or online at hyundaiofmuncie.com.

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2009 WINNERSHome Insurance Agent

Jason May - State Farm

Kitchen DecoratorRichard’s Kitchen & Bath

Local ChefVera Mae’s Bistro

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By Ken Wickliffe

With a 94-year history, continuous family ownership and ongoing relationships with generation

after generation of customers, Munson of Muncie is a one-of-a-kind automobile dealership.

Established by Burr N. Munson in 1916, Munson of Muncie has been at its current location, 600 E. Wysor St., since Burr’s son, Jack, moved it there in 1961. Jack is now officially retired, having transferred ownership of Munson of Muncie to Andy, his son. But, Jack still works there every day, and his wife, Sherry, operates the dealership’s office.

Originally established as a new car dealership, Munson of Muncie has represented such companies as Allen, Cadillac, Studebaker, Nash and Hudson. Since 1955, the dealership has focused entirely on used vehicles, said Jack Munson.

“Not many stick with this business as long as we have, and I think offering the best buys and dealing fairly with people

has kept us in business this long,” he said. “Your history as a dealership may be wonderful, but it’s not worth a nickel unless you continue to give fair trades and good buys to the public.

“That’s the message I always conveyed to my son, Andy, and it’s the way he runs the dealership now,” Jack added.

Munson of Muncie attracts many value-conscious customers who could easily afford to buy new cars if they want-ed them, but who choose instead to save their money by purchasing late-model, pre-owned vehicles, said Chuck Darger, a sales representative.

“Dealing with a company like this that sells low-mileage, late-model used cars can be the best financial decision a per-son can make,” he said. “You get a great car and save thousands of dollars in depreciation.”

High-pressure sales tactics have never had a place in a dealership that has, for nearly 100 years, built up a reputation based on repeat business, Darger added.

“There are dealerships out there that drive their salespeople with a bamboo

rod to sell anything to anyone, and their customers wind up ‘upside down’ — owing far more than the car is worth — and financially buried under car pay-ments,” he explained. “We don’t do that here because we want to sell you your next car.”

Munson of Muncie provides a war-ranty on all of its late-model cars, and all vehicles offered for sale have been ser-viced and inspected by Gary Benedict, the dealership’s service technician, and professionally detailed by David Bond.

Financing at competitive rates is avail-able through many banks and financial institutions, and a variety of nationally-backed extended warranties and service plans are offered, Jack Munson said.

For more information on the wide range of quality vehicles available at Munson of Muncie, call (765) 284-4439, or stop by the dealership at 600 E. Wysor Street. Hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday. Detailed information describing the deal-ership’s entire inventory is also available on its website, MunsonofMuncie.com.

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Directions 2010: Automotive

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Transcript of Directions 2010: Automotive