March 18,2000
Cline is closing shop
By Malinda Ruble
Staff Writer
After nearly 12 years of business as Cline Oldsmobile Cadillac Inc., Jim Cline is closing shop. But the Oldsmobile/Cadillac franchise will continue in the community.
Cline, president of Cline Oldsmobile Cadillac, has sold parts, furniture and fixtures, special tools and "the goodwill to relinquish the franchise" to Dave Bush, officer of EA Bush Chevrolet.
Cline said in 1997, GM Corp. announced Project 2000 which indicated plans to decrease the number of dealers from 9,500 to about 7,500 and position the dealers in communities where they would be most effective. GM did recommend changes for Tiffin, but did not require that any be made.
"As time went on, we had conversations and I think what ended up happening around the middle of 1999 was that the conversations began to escalate,'' said Cline.
"And that brought about the acquisition,'' Bush added.
By Jan. 7, Bush and Cline had reached an agreement for purchase, but the deal was not complete until approval was given by GM this month.
Bush did not purchase Cline's used car business or the property at 1950 W. Market St.
"The building is going up for sale," Cline said. "I'm just operating now as a used car store for a period of time until I've liquidated all used cars. I hope to have this part taken care of by the first of May.''
The used car dealership is called Cline Motors. In late April, Bush and Cline plan to host an auction to dispose of unneeded items.
For Bush, the acquisition means a broader market.
"Now we can go from the first-time buyer, college grad, economical in the Chevy line right straight through to the luxury line,'' said Bush. "And the customers Jim has built up through the years will be able to be retained right in the Seneca County area.
"Being established as long as we have, hopefully the feeling with the transition will be well accepted," said Bush. The Chevy dealership has been in business 40 years.
"Now they can sell $15,000 to $55,000 (vehicles). It's a much broader market to sell to than before. The product line will be under one roof and you can sell for a person's whole lifetime,'' added Cline.
Cline said he believes Bush will do well with the franchise.
"This was not a shotgun marriage. I wish him all of the luck in the world. Dave's a third-generation dealer and he wants to position the dealership for a fourth generation,'' Cline said.
Three of Cline's employees &emdash; Marvin Keefe, Jeff Shook and Robert Angelback &emdash; will work for EA Bush Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Cadillac Inc. at 2226 W. Market St.
Bush said he plans to continue to represent the product well and to serve the people in the community with "utmost expectations."
"I'm extremely excited that I'm going to have this opportunity to serve the people of Tiffin and I look forward to doing business with them,'' Bush said.
"And I'm going to have a little vacation (after the liquidation) and come back and get a job,'' Cline added with a smile.