December 24, 2007
 

News editor

Hood River Auto Group has consolidated its operations in one location on the Heights.

Vehicles from Hood River Chrysler Jeep Dodge were moved to 1802 12th St. after the local Ford dealership there was closed.

Treasa Hansen, general manager of Hood River Auto Group, said the Ford dealership was closed so the company could focus on Hood River Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

“It was a tough decision; however, we have to do what’s best for the business,” Hansen said. “It was the best decision for us and our community to better serve under one roof.

“Ford has a huge declining market right now,” she said. “Ford is losing a lot of money, and the dealer goes right along with that. It was just losing way too much money.”

Hansen said the 12th Street location across from Rosauers Supermarket will accommodate expansion into 2008 and beyond.

“We outgrew the old facility,” Hansen said. “We have grown so much that we needed a bigger lot.” The total area is about 5 acres.

The Auto Group owns the building and paved lot at 1802 12th, and leases about 1.8 acres just to the north, from the Paddock family. That unpaved area is now full of cars.

Hansen said the company plans to put in paving and trees and landscaping on the leased section as soon as the weather allows. The former Ford building will also be remodeled.

The former HRCJD facility, at 1105 12th St., now stands empty. The building had been a car dealership since the late Ron Knoll founded it in 1952.

Hansen said the new lot allows the Auto Group to consolidate the four locations it had been using. In addition to the main dealerships and lots, HRCJD had used the former gas station adjacent at Hull and 12th streets.

Hansen said the new building has larger work bays, and more of them — 15 compared to four in the old building — and will better enable staff to work on trucks.

“We have the latest and best technology and a very large service department compared to (the old building),” Hansen said. “This gives our customers a lot more room. It is quite comfortable.”

The lines are expanding and the trucks themselves are getting larger, and now mechanics will have more room to move, Hansen said.

Under the consolidation, the Auto Group has 38 employees, down from about 50, Hansen said. The company retained its Ford-certified technicians and equipment.

“We retained most (of the employees),” she said. “There were some overlapping positions and we went with the best person for the job and seniority.”

HRCJD continues to do full service for Ford vehicles and honors “tires for life” agreements.