Chevy next to Dodge

RONAN — “I can always order another car, I can’t always get another customer.”

That is one of Jim Pierce’s, of Ronan Dodge, best lessons.

After buying the Chevrolet franchise earlier this month, he will have to start finding customers. He has to build up the Chevy brand in order to gain more Chevy products.

“We are in a tough spot right in between the 2010 and 2011 models,” Pierce said.

Just because he owns a franchise doesn’t mean he will get product right away. That right has to be earned, “which we will,” he said.

“It’s not something that intimidates us,” Pierce said. “Most of the Chevys sold in this market have been from out of the county.”

To prepare for the new Chevy crop, he has to expand his showrooms. Pierce has operated as many as nine franchises at one time in his career. This particular time, part of the contract is that Chevy has its own room.

“We just need to separate a few things,” he said.

Chevy will be where Dodge is now and Dodge will get a new showroom.

“Dodge isn’t going anywhere,” he said. “We will still have Dodge.”

There will also be a remodeled showroom for Chrysler, as space isn’t an issue as there are five untouched acres of land available.

Part of the rearranging will also include the construction of  separate part counters.

“This is an investment,” Pierce said.