Suburban Collection considers expansion and adding Fiat as it buys Chrysler Jeep of Ann Arbor

Posted on Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 5:55 a.m.

Suburban Collection considers expansion and adding Fiat as it buys Chrysler Jeep of Ann Arbor

By Ben Freed

The Troy-based Suburban Collection finalized its acquisition of Chrysler Jeep of Ann Arbor this week, with the next step possible expansion.

The new Suburban Chrysler Jeep of Ann Arbor, located at 2060 W. Stadium Blvd., is the company’s third dealership in Ann Arbor. It joins Suburban Cadillac of Ann Arbor and Suburban Chevrolet of Ann Arbor in the market.

The company now is exploring plans to expand the dealership, including possibly adding a Fiat dealership by the end of the year.

“We have been part of the Ann Arbor business community since 2004 and are delighted to further expand our commitment with this additional dealership,” David T. Fischer, chairman and chief executive officer of The Suburban Collection, said in a statement.

The deal between the Troy-based company and local doctor and dealership owner Dr. Benn Gilmore has been in the works since early June.

The new dealership employs 40 people in an 18,000-square-foot sales and service facility.

The deal was finalized Monday, said public relations representative John McCandless.

“It is up and running now as Suburban Chrysler Jeep of Ann Arbor,” he said. “They are looking into getting new signage to put up right away.”

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Ben Freed covers business for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at 734-623-2528 or email him at benfreed@annarbor.com. Follow him on twitter @BFreedinA2

Comments

Brad

Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.

Will they be looking for mechanics named Tony?

treetowncartel

Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.

hah, old joke, good laugh just like a hammer is affectionately referred to as a Ford wrench

brimble

Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 12:20 p.m.

Tough to see how even a niche brand can be added to that site, given the limitations of the real estate. Fiat isn't exactly a successful brand nationally, but given that Mini thinks there is a substantial market in Ann Arbor, perhaps Fiat could find one, too.