Classic Buick-Pontiac-GMC Dealership Opens in Ohio

Newly Designed Buick-Pontiac-GMC Store Unveiled in Streetsboro

STREETSBORO, Ohio - General Motors executives, Gov. Ted Strickland and dozens of state and local officials and community leaders today celebrate with Classic Buick-Pontiac-GMC the grand opening of its all-new showroom. “We’re pleased to be one of the first GM dealers to offer all three GM brands under one roof in this new state-of-the-art facility,” said Jim Brown, president, Classic Auto Group.

“Our customers are already telling us they really enjoy the offerings of this new, modern design ... from the efficient sales and service areas to the comfortable waiting areas,” Brown added. Classic Buick-Pontiac-GMC at 835 Classic Dr. opened its doors to customers on May 17.

“I’m proud to participate in this great occasion,” said Steve Hill, regional general manager of GM’s North Central Region. “Classic Buick-Pontiac-GMC is part of a growing number of dealerships that have combined the three brands under one roof.”

In 2002, GM announced a strategy to group the Buick, Pontiac and GMC brands into one preferred distribution channel. Today, more than 1,600 dealers are aligned, and together they sell about 70 percent of the volume for the three brands.

“We believe this provides a competitive advantage for our dealers,” Jim Bunnell, divisional general manager of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, said. “The Buick- Pontiac-GMC channel allows GM to optimize each brand by developing distinct yet complementary vehicles that reduce product overlap, broaden the appeal of each model and reach new customers.”

Each brand in the channel has it own defining characteristics:

* Pontiac: Muscular, athletic, bold designs with great performance
* Buick: Premium vehicles that offer classic, timeless designs, and exquisite levels of craftsmanship and high quality
* GMC: Professional Grade trucks, SUVs and crossovers
engineered to provide superior capabilities and innovative features.

New Facility Design

Starting with a “clean sheet” approach, the Buick-Pontiac-GMC team worked with dealer input, GM Design Staff and a nationally recognized design firm, Pavlik Design Team of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to develop a new design. The new showroom exudes a clean, modern feel, with distinct areas for the three brands.

The overall result is an efficient facility design that provides Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealers with consistent brand identification, as well as a modern and pleasing environment for their customers.

“On behalf of General Motors, we congratulate past GM dealer council president and our loyal dealer-partner Jim Brown on completion of this beautiful facility,” said Bill Powell, GM North American vice president, Industry-Dealer Relations. “We’re extremely pleased to have a presence in the community of Streetsboro and further strengthen our long-standing relationship with the state of Ohio.”

Gov. Strickland participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with GM and dealership officials. “I’m happy to be a part of this celebration,” said Strickland. “GM and local dealers such as Jim Brown have a tremendously positive impact on Ohio’s economy. I’m deeply thankful to them for their hard work toward ensuring the well-being of the communities they serve.”