CRYSTAL LAKE – Less than two years since Chevrolet in Crystal Lake was sold from long-time ownership by the Reichert family, the dealership once again has new owners.
Todd Martin of Hinsdale and his business partner Dan Hoyland of Cary officially took ownership Friday of Martin Chevrolet, formerly Crystal Lake Chevrolet.
The new owners' plans for the future could include building a brand new facility, closer to Route 14 than its current location at 5220 Northwest Hwy, which sits back from the roadway. Martin said if they decide to stray from constructing a new building, they instead will undergo a complete remodel and expansion of the current facility.
Either project would start toward the end of 2013 and likely reach completion in 2014, Martin said.
"I think it's a perfect demographic for us and for Chevrolet," Martin said of his new business. "It's been kind of neglected for a long time. We truly think it's going to be a top-five store for Chevrolet in the Chicago area, for both new and used."
More immediate changes Martin will implement include painting interior and exterior walls, as well as landscaping.
He added that he thinks the business approach will be more geared toward customer satisfaction. Every car purchased will come will a lifetime of free oil changes every 3,750 miles, and all service will include a car wash and vacuum – touches he's already implemented at his other dealership, Martin Nissan in Skokie.
"We are going to go out of our way to take care of our customers," he said.
Martin and Hoyland took ownership from Dennis Alf, who bought the store from John Reichert in September 2010. Reichert's father opened the dealership in 1952.