Chevy dealership now SVG Motors

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Longtime local car dealer Ron Garrett shakes hands with new dealership owner Steve VanGorder. From left, GM District Sales Manager Jordyn Blandon, GM Zone Manager Manny Sosa, Garrett, VanGorder, and GM District Service Manager Steve Surman.

By Erik Martin

[email protected]

GREENVILLE — People driving past 1225 East Russ Road in Greenville will soon see a new business sign.

On June 30, the Ron Garrett Chevrolet dealership was sold to Steve VanGorder. The new dealership will be called “SVG Motors” — which, according to VanGorder, stands for “Superior Value Guarantee.”

VanGorder described the transfer of ownership as “a dream come true.”

“I couldn’t be more excited or happy,” he said. “I’m on cloud nine.”

“I’ve been a [General Motors] guy all my life,” he explained. “When I was looking to add to my dealerships, Chevrolet was my first choice. Ron [Garrett] was kind enough to take my call. The sale was a culmination of a year’s worth of discussions.”

The Ron Garrett Chevy dealership was started in 1979 in Ft. Recovery, before relocating to Greenville in 1991.

Regarding the sale, Garrett said, “It’s time. I feel good about turning the reins over to Steve. I believe that he will continue to run the dealership the way that I have with the same goals – keeping the customers happy and satisfied. I am glad that this is a big dream for Steve as my own dream is now coming to an end.”

Though Garrett is retiring, VanGorder said the former owner will maintain an active presence at the business for the time being.

“Ron promised me he would stick around to help out,” he said.

Though the name will be changing — with new signs expected to be installed within the next month or two — VanGorder said that area residents can expect the same quality products and service they’ve come to enjoy.

“Our GM sales, service and financing remains the same,” said VanGorder. “Leasing rates with GM are very good right now.”

He added, “Customers will be able to get financing from more than a dozen banks, in addition to GM financing, to find their best rate. We will use local banks when we can.”

As for the current dealership employees, he remarked, “Everybody that is here is remaining here. We plan to increase our inventory, so we may also be doing some hiring of extra hands in the future.”

VanGorder has been involved in auto sales in the Dayton area for more than 20 years. Television viewers may remember him as the “Get in here!” salesperson featured in advertisements for Jeff Schmitt auto dealerships.

Asked whether he plans to resurrect ads of this type for the Greenville dealership, VanGorder was noncommittal, saying, “We’ll keep that as a surprise.”

“I’m the same goofy guy,” he added. “I don’t mind looking silly to garner more attention for our company.”

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