More Mazda in the Tempe Autoplex

TEMPE, AZ - Dick Ehret, former partner at Pitre Buick Pontiac GMC Truck on Scottsdale's Motor Mile and most recently the owner of Tempe Lincoln Mercury in the Tempe Autoplex, announced this week that he has sold his Lincoln Mercury franchise and is becoming a Mazda dealer effective November 23, 2010. Ehret's General Motors franchise on McDowell Road was for many years, one of the top selling GM dealerships in the country. AutoNation purchased the dealership in 2006, and Ehret stayed on to manage the business for several years thereafter, but watched business steadily decline on Scottsdale's once busy Motor Mile. AutoNation permanently closed the Buick Pontiac GMC dealership several years ago.

After leaving AutoNation, Ehret purchased the Lincoln Mercury franchise from the Earnhardt family in the Tempe Autoplex in 2004. "I have always been a domestic auto brand loyalist", Ehret said, "And when the opportunity came to move from GM products to Ford products, I jumped at the chance." Ehret remodeled the former Earnhardt facility at 7777 South Test Drive and invested heavily in staff, training and advertising. "We started out strong", Ehret said, "Then the downturn in the economy hit and Ford announced that they were discontinuing the Mercury brand. There was simply no way to be profitable selling only Lincolns and pre-owned vehicles in the size facility we have. I had to look at other options."

Ehret had discussions with several import manufacturers before deciding to pursue Mazda. "Pre-owned Mazdas have always been popular sellers at our Lincoln Mercury dealership", Ehret said, "They are well-built, well-equipped, priced right. If they sell that well pre-owned, it made perfect sense to pursue a Mazda franchise to be able to offer new vehicles as well." Ehret's new dealership is called More Mazda. "More truly describes our product, our people and our business philosophy", Ehret said. "More selection, more savings, more fuel efficiency, more affordability, and more customer service - we offer more!"

Ehret is impressed so far with his relationship with Mazda: "The products are exceptional! They offer a full line of fuel-efficient sedans and value-packed sport utility crossovers. Cooperation and support from the factory has been impressive!" We want to invite everyone in to see our new dealership and to let them know that this facility is our customers' home for sales and service.

For more information go to MOREMAZDA.COM or call 480-763-1000