With the recent setbacks of the major automobile manufacturers and the economic hardship experienced by most everyone, a huge concern on the minds of many consumers is whether or not the local dealers will be able to continue to provide service to the standards expected by faithful customers.
Two local automobile dealers, Benjy Harris, owner of Harris Ford, and Dean Sides, owner of George Kell Motors, have chosen to answer the concerns of the consumers through an interview with the Newport Independent in order to assure their loyal customers of fair days ahead. All new car dealerships in Jackson County were contacted for this article.
NI: What would you like to tell our readers about the stability of the American automakers?
Harris: In 2006 and 2007, Ford completely revamped its finance and production in preparation for a situation like this, hoping that it would never happen. It has happened, though, and we're okay. Out of all of the companies asking the government for money, Ford didn't ask for one cent or use one cent.
Sides: GM is a national icon and has been for the last 100 years. It's hard to restyle itself for today, legacy companies have a lot of baggage, but we have a lot of opportunity to rebuild the company. We're going to reemerge successful. The future is bright for GMC, we expect to reemerge better.
NI: Will we have problems getting parts years from now?
Harris: We hope GM stays in business so parts remain affordable, but we'll always have our service center open for our customers and our parts will be available. Just know that we're going to stand by you.
Sides: During this time of change our suppliers will slow down, but we are required to supply parts for a number of years for each vehicle sold. We will continue to provide the quality service we always have.
NI: Tell us why we should be buying your product in this time of turmoil.
Harris: One thing we all have in common is we have to get transportation. We're going to be here. Ford motor company has done the things necessary to make it a viable company. We're one of the strongest dealers in the state and have won the President's Award four years in a row. We're here to service our customers. We're stable, sell fuel efficient vehicles which have the highest safety ratings in the industry. Our products are stylish and we have the number one truck sold in the nation. Nationally, Ford is gaining in the market share. Our quality ranks with Honda and Toyota.
Sides: People who need to buy are going to buy. It's a perfect time to buy because the deals are good. Sales in the last two or three months have been phenomenal.
NI: What advantage is there in buying from a local dealer?
Harris: We support our community. Obtaining services is easy. You're buying from your friends and neighbors. It is always best to obtain service and maintenance from the same location that you purchased the vehicle. When you go to an out of town dealer, you're not receiving the same benefits. They're not supporting the local schools. We give so much back to our community.
Sides: Buy locally if you can, there are so many things the local dealer can do for you. The service is excellent. It's not going to take two days to get your oil changed and you don't have to drive 100 miles for service. Our customers know us, it's like dealing with an extended family. You've known who we are for about 46 years. George Kell Motors is excited and blessed that we got to renew our franchise, based on sales and customer satisfaction. We're going to continue doing the same things we've done in the past and be better if we can.