Changes at half-century-old Sesi dealership: Mazda line moving to Scio Township location; Ypsilanti Township location closing
The half-century-old Sesi Motors auto dealership announced that it would move its Mazda line to its Scio Township location and close its Ypsilanti Township location.
The family-owned dealership plans to consolidate its Ypsilanti Township location at 950 E. Michigan Ave. into its Scio Township location at 3990 Jackson Road by August 27.
The Ypsilanti Township Sesi dealership will be consolidated into its Scio Township location, pictured above, by the end of August.
AnnArbor.com file photo
After the consolidation, the Scio dealership will carry and service Mazda, Lincoln and Volvo, according to a news release.
Sesi Motors president Joe Sesi was not immediately available for comment.
“The community has always been and continues to be our top priority,” Sesi said in a statement. “The consolidation of our two dealership locations into Ann Arbor will only create a very efficient operation for our customers and improve their experience.”
Brenda Stumbo, Ypsilanti Township supervisor, said the announcement that the dealership will close is “very sad” for the township and surrounding community.
“It’s such a part of our community and they had such a huge volume of sales,” she said. “There were a lot of loyal customers in the area that purchased cars there.”
Stumbo said she plans to work with Sesi to redevelop the property, a large lot on one of the township’s busiest roads. She said she does not want the property used for car sales.
“There’s nothing we can do as a township about the closing, but we can work with them to redevelop the property. We have to move forward and I believe there’s a good opportunity for future development," Stumbo said.
Stumbo said that she believes the employees at the Ypsilanti Township location will retain their jobs after the consolidation.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Marcia Harrison
Fri, Aug 12, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
Our family has purchased cars for over 55 years and always from Sesi. They are an exceptional organization and an exceptional family. Their dedication to our community has been consistent and I'm confident that will continue. I know this was a tough decision as well as an emotional one. But these are tough times and consolidation makes ever so much sense. It may be a longer drive for some of us, but I'm happy to do it. My very best to the Sesi family because you are the best.
15crown00
Fri, Aug 12, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
who they trying to kid?it's not about convenience.it's about not being able to sell enough cars to keep two locations open.so they choose the least viable of the two and that one closes.simple as that. as to all the employees transferring?ain't gonna happen.they simply don't need or can't fit everybody in.
a2gibson
Fri, Aug 12, 2011 : 1:51 a.m.
A good friend of mine works in the Ypsilanti location, this was not something Sesi wanted to do but was forced in to by Lincoln. As part of their new branding and wanting to compete with Lexus they want dealerships that look like the ones on Jackson road. The Sesi family would have had to completely rebuild the Michigan Avenue store to even be considered to stay open. When reading any news story but particularly those here assume that much of the story isn't being told.
dading dont delete me bro
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 10:04 p.m.
"The community has always been and continues to be our top priority," Sesi said in a statement. so true, so VERY true. the sesi's are a great family and have contributed to our organization and it's fundrai$ers many time$. -dading
Alan Goldsmith
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.
"Stumbo said that she believes the employees at the Ypsilanti Township location will retain their jobs after the consolidation." Stumbo continues to be totally clueless, as she has for most of her political career. Lol.
milanmadman
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 6:18 p.m.
This move was dictated By Ford Motor Co. They have publicly stated that they intended to closed 150 Lincoln points in Metropolitan markets by the end of 2011 (google it) Just as Garden City closed two months ago, and Southgate and Momentum in Monroe last year. Lincoln believes in order to beat Lexus, you have to act like Lexus, and force your customers to drive further than they did in the past to purchase your vehicle. Look at a map of Lexus dealers in the area, and this is what Mullaly dreams of when he sleeps. But don't be mad at Mr. Sesi,he had no choice. This isn't over, by a longshot. There are still too many dealers in Detroit for Ford's liking. And wait till they set their sights on reducing Ford points in the area!
Jimmy McNulty
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 5:48 p.m.
It's sad the Sesi's are leaving, BUT I get it. Some posters are very emotional and take this personally when really it is a business decision. With the sundown of the Mercury brand, there is likely a lot more costs to bear under just the Lincoln name, and a stand-alone Lincoln store would not likely have the traffic to survive. However, I do have a problem with YTwp supervisor Stumbo stating "she does not want the property used for car sales." Why not?? For example, when you're looking to sell a church, there are few other situations in which that type of property would likely be used. The same could be said for a car dealership. Good luck to the Sesi family.
YpsiLivin
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 5:33 p.m.
My only "experience" with Sesi was years ago when I was in college, and nearly got run over in the parking lot at Meijer by someone driving a Lincoln with a personalized SESI license plate. (I even drove a Mercury at the time. Fortunately, it was able to provide good cover during the aforementioned incident.) Nonetheless, I always hate to see a car dealership close. Long live Butman Ford!
william babut
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.
Unfortunetly, his had to happen. With Ford killing Mercury, the dealership was down one line of vehicles to sell. Based on the amount of vehicles on the lot, Mercury probably was the largest chunk of it's business. Consolidating helps it cut expenses to make up for that loss of income. If it had to close one dealership location, it wasn't going to close the newer larger location in Ann Arbor.
fxdwgi
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
Margaret, your comments regarding jobs being lost is simply not true. It is a merger of the two locations into one location. I was in the Ypsilanti location this morning and all the employees are going to Ann Arbor. I have been buying cars there for years and will continue to use them for service and driving another 10 minutes is not a big deal to have my car service by them.
Buster W.
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.
It's pretty obvious the trend is "one stop shopping" (ie Auto Malls). There are many car shoppers ought there who aren't loyal to a particular brand and these malls are more convenient. Is there a brand not represented in that corridor?
shadow wilson
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.
Do any of you believe Sesi want to leave this location??? Perhaps they are being pressured by Ford to move.
Scott
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:50 p.m.
Our family has purchased cars from the Sesi family for generations and we will continue that tradition for years to come. The Ann Arbor Dealership is truly one of the finest that I have ever seen and the service is absolutely phenomenal. I have been driving all over this community my entire life. The Ann Arbor location is right around the corner as far as I'm concerned.
Karen
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.
I'm curious, is the dealership going to be so much better because now it will be in precious Ann Arbor? When is Ann Arbor going to get over itself?
doctrsnoop
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:42 p.m.
Am I an AA snob? Maybe. But the main thing is, its just closer. And I've been to both dealerships and it is actually better too at least aesthetically.
pvitaly
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.
Yes it is. Duh! Even the crime is so much nicer in Ann Arbor.
Mike D.
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.
If I'm not mistaken, Sesi was one of the oldest (if not the oldest) Mercury dealers. Mercury is gone, and with it a lot of the sales volume from Sesi's newer, fancier store on Jackson Road west of Ann Arbor. Chinese-owned Volvo (also at Sesi on Jackson) is in the toilet now, so the need to consolidate is obvious even from the outside. If you have two locations, one a brand new palace in a wealthy area on a stretch of road full of car dealers, and the other an old dump in a low-income area, and your brands are all more or less upscale (Mazda 3 is one of the best and most expensive small cars), where do you consolidate? Sesi's decision is tough for Ypsi but completely rational and I wish the family prosperity in Washtenaw County.
oldblueypsi
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:58 a.m.
This is a loss, both economically and historically, to the entire Ypsilanti community. But Sesi, the dealership, like any other business, must be profitable to survive. A single point, high end (Lincoln) dealership located in a predominantly blue collar community, devoid of any other high end new car dealership in its area, would be hard pressed to continue to survive. Sesi should be lauded for perservering this long at the East Michigan location. Joe Sesi (the patriarch) was Henry Ford's grocer (in Dearborn). Because of his personality and attention to customer service, Ford awarded the new dealership to Mr. Sesi following WWII. It was originally located in downtown Ypsilanti. During his lifetime, Mr. Sesi certainly met or exceded Mr. Ford's expectations from a business standpoint, and was a very valuable, well-respected and loved, member of the entire Ypsilanti community. (annarbor.com would serve itself well by reviewing this Ypsilanti landmark business since it mirrors the rise and subsequent decline of the old US-12 Ypsilanti area commercially) Ypsilanti Township is now faced with vacant real estate on the south side of East Michigan Avenue, from the railroad overpass east to the now shuttered Tyner furniture store. Successful commercial development of that stretch of real estate is of great importance to the financial health of the Township. Hopefully, the Township was be more successful with its redevelopment than the City has been with its vacant "brownfield" stretch of East Michigan Ave.
treetowncartel
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.
Hey, thanks for the history lesson. You are right about location too. The clustering of dealerships has been going on for several years, being a single point dealer as you call it is pretty tough in today's busy world.
zax
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.
Grow up people. Businesses have to look at the bottom line in order to stay in business and keep the workers that they can on the payroll. At least they will still be here and still provide service and sales of Mazdas. They have been very good at what they do, I for one appreciate their great service and sales team and wish them the best during the reorganization.
goingfast3579
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:44 a.m.
This terrible news. First GM closes Willow Run BOC in 1991 then NAFTA is passed Motorwheel is gone in 1997. Exemplar gone. Ypsilanti Ford plant and GM Power train. Now this. This has been a loss of ten's of thousand's of jobs over the last 20 yrs. and millions if not billions into local economy. The elected officials have been Democrats that run unopposed. Sorry to burst your bubble David. I we don't get Manufacturing back up we are all done. The heck with 50-100 jobs need good paying with benefits jobs with about 30,000 of them in Ypsilanti alone.
Not from around here
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
I've got a feeling that the loses you listed above are a big reason for the move.
Cash
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:37 a.m.
Lizzy, I hope you would follow up with an interview with Joe Sesi and ask him what happens to his employees in Ypsilanti. Ms Stumbo is expressing her belief but facts here would be nice.
Cash
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
Again, missing the point. The article alludes to the employees still being employed. Two posters here said it's not true. I am asking for an interview with the dealership owner. Why is that so strange? LOL It's called journalism.
golfer
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.
come on cash. this is what happens when you close something. take borders, take the ypsilanti ford plant, take the saline plant. look at the stores at briawood mall. when something closes it closes. people are part of the process. you have to make money to pay them a check. you worry about the employees. i worry about not making enough to pay them and you will shutdown both stores. this is once again life. close a store people have to go. sorry for them you bet. why not have more people buy american cars and then you can have both stores open. this is life........
Cash
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 12:13 p.m.
I am asking A2.com to interview Mr Sesi...the SOURCE. I assume he would be willing to give that interview. A politician, while a nice person, has not a clue as to what will happen to the employees and I am interested in that situation.
Jimmy McNulty
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 12:01 p.m.
Cash, it's a business decision. If the store is losing money or is projected to lose money after the end of the Mercury line, then they cannot stay open just for the sake of the employees. You seem to like to blame big businesses, so why not blame Ford?
a2chrisp
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 10:19 a.m.
To decide not to buy from sesi because the economy is forcing them to consolidate locations is childish at best. Everyone is cutting back in this economy. What do you expect sesi to do, hemmorage money until they go out of business for the sake of ypsilanti township? Businesses shouldn't have to be martyrs to retain the respect of their customers. I for one love my mazda I bought from sesi, and will continue to support them to make sure they stay in business in this difficult economy. I know this economy is painful for everyone, but taking everything that happens as a personal slight is not the right way of looking at things.
Not from around here
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
I have a feeling the potentatl sales in West Ann Arbor will more than make up for any sales lost in Ypsi.
Cash
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.
Childish? LOL It is called voting with our wallets. We all have a right to spend our money where we choose...and by doing so we can make a statement. You may not like our statement, but it's our right to make it. It's not childish...it is all part of the freedom we exercise in America.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 2:35 a.m.
Sesi has a great bunch of people in Ypsilanti, too bad it has to end.
Margaret Neil
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 2:27 a.m.
It is horrible news and the lady was wrong, many are losing their jobs, most of them are only a select few are going to Ann Arbor. It is so sad that many people after years of working for them are out of a job.
towny
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 2:14 a.m.
Sorry but you are not going to consolidate two dealerships into one and not lose jobs get real. Also, that location on Michigan Ave will sit vacant just like many more in that area. In this economy there are tons of buildings and lots just sitting. Sesi family a fine family come on just another example of a family taking there money and running. Forget about all the hard working people that put years into that location and made you the money. Just a sign of the times.
Monica R-W
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 2:03 a.m.
Wow! I am shocked about this one. I assume that consolidation of both dealerships make the most sense but this is another huge loss for Ypsilanti Township. Maybe it is time that Ypsilanti Township considers developing a true Economic Resource Department with its Governmental offices. Between losing General Motors, Ypsi-Arbor Bowling alley and now Sesi's (Huckaberry's Liquor Store was saved by a new developer), this community needs to market our usable land space to encourage businesses to move into the Township. Just a thought. Sad about losing Sesi.
Chuck Yadmark
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 1:56 a.m.
Well, as a resident of Ann Arbor's west side I am glad I have another potential choice in Mazda. For years I have completely ruled them out based on the half-hour drive out to E. Mich Ave. When there are so many good car choices out there some superficial things like that can make a difference. I feel for the folks out in Ypsi who have Mazda's who might have to drive out this far.
mw
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:10 a.m.
Same here -- we were considering a Mazda the last time we were car shopping but ruled it out based on the distance to the dealer. I expect they'll gain more customers than they lose in moving their Mazda dealership to Jackson Road.
Bones
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 1:40 a.m.
This just sucks. With them gone from Ypsi. Washtenaw is going to start loking more and more like E. Michigan avenue. That dealership has brought people into the area from all over. Now local businesses that had people come in while they waited for their car to be fixed will suffer from the loss of customers. Yes it may be a small percentage. But in this economic mess we are all in. This is yet another blow to the community. Thanks Sesi. Way to support the community that served you so well for all these years. I will not be coming out there to buy parts, nor service my vehicle. And I hope that they do not decide to turn the vacated properties that they own into more strip malls. Apparently that seems to be the demographic specialists ideas for things anymore.
Soothslayer
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.
"Start" looking more like? That entire area must have no sign or other business ordinances to speak of. One big demilitarized zone strip mall paved with ashphalt. Hints: put in a greenspace between the road and the establishment like Canton, etc., keep signs to a minimum of displays and overall gaudiness, plant small trees in the new greenspace next to the road.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 2:14 a.m.
The dealership that is closing IS on E. Michigan Ave. (Never mind.)
Tom Harrison
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 1:24 a.m.
The Sesi's are one of the finest families in the area and completely committed to our community - their contributions are immeasurable. That fact, combined with their first rate customer service, makes it well worth the drive.
David Briegel
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 12:58 a.m.
Another victim of the Snyder economy!!
Not from around here
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.
I though it was about time for an off topic anti republican/Snyder diatribe from the usual suspects! I would it had more to do with 8 years of Grandholm and the Lib Dem's Blowing away our economy
Soothslayer
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:36 a.m.
Snyder is also responsible for the expansion of Zingermans, Barracuda Networks and Google. That scoundrel!
Brad Nevin
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 12:37 a.m.
i hope they keep the free hot chocolate machine - if not can i please buy it? this is great news. mazda is a more upscale car line and fits better in ann arbor than ypsi. plus, now i dont have to drive all the way to ypsi to service my mazda -- and drive past that scary hotel with the 2 trucks with the dinosaurs and sports trophies glued all over them.
pvitaly
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.
Mike, if $20k to $25k is too expensive of a car for a city... what else is there to sell? Even a $35k SUV is not outrageous for the type of vehicle it is. When the population is only offered junk, that is how they will be represented and won't strive to be anything else. Anyway, there is nothing "upscale" about any Mazda model. It's just a regular, affordable car brand.
Mike D.
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 2:50 p.m.
Oh chill, it's not about being "too good," it's about serving a market with the right demographics. Mazda sells plenty of CX-9 SUVs for well over $35k. The Mazda 3 generally sells for $20k to $25k; it's one of the costlier compacts.
pvitaly
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.
Ummm what? Mazda is too good for Ypsi? Are you serious? I don't think Mazda sells a car over $30k. Their most popular car, the 3, goes for about $16k-24k. Your logic is the reason places like Detroit become places like Detroit. First a dealership is too "good" for the city and then a grocery store is also too "good" for a city. And then... well I am sure you know what happens next. Or, maybe you don't, since you are barricaded in your picket fenced Ann Arbor historic home. Either way, this dealership had a terrible service department. I doubt the Scio Township one is any better.
golfer
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 11:09 p.m.
it is sad but it is the changing of times. other dealerships of ford motor products are also closing. i am guessing this is part of some plan to reduce dealerships and still be able to service the area. i for once have had great great experience dealing with sesi in ann arbor. i will always buy from them because of the service department. when i drop off my car i know it will be fixed the first time. so for all those whom live in ypsi. the drive is well worth it. drop off your car and they will take you home. give them a chance that is what i will tell my friends in ypsi.
Cash
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:19 p.m.
This is horrible news. No way will I drive to west Ann Arbor for repair on my vehicle. I'm not clear how Sesi thinks that this is a convenience for local residents to drive 30 extra miles for service or to buy a vehicle. Well, at least this resolves my concern about Mercury going and having to buy a Lincoln to stay with my "faithful" local dealer. Ha! Not a problem now.
Cash
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:42 a.m.
Andy, Thank you for that reference! I really appreciate that. I'll give that reference to my neighbors as well. We are all looking for a good service station....you know, real service, now that Sesi is leaving us. Thanks Andy.
Soothslayer
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11:35 a.m.
Cash - The grand plan is you will need to drive more to get to service, thus causing the need for more service. Why not hit the local BP auto repair station on Washtenaw (by Dom)? I've had great and fair experience there on a variety of issues and vehicles.
Cash
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 9:55 a.m.
FIFTEEN MILES....d'oh! I drive my car there.....and I drive it back. . I took my vehicle to Sesi for all service. Geez.
a2susan
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 1:39 a.m.
they do provide a courtesy car service and will pick you up when your car is ready. And how is it if you live locally that west ann arbor is 30 miles from you? Ha?
Cash
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 11:02 p.m.
The location of the Ann Arbor Sesi dealership, yes. <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl" rel='nofollow'>http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl</a>
ferdcom
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:50 p.m.
West Ann Arbor?????
treetowncartel
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:11 p.m.
Fond memores of going with my parents to get the new car there, great people.
Cash
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:20 p.m.
Mr Sesi, the man who was the heart of the dealership, passed away a few years ago sadly. He loved the people of Ypsi.