Bettenhausen Automotive celebrates 60 years in family business

In the automotive industry, change is an essential part of growth, and the ability to adapt in such a dynamic industry is what contributes to long-term success.

Tinley Park-based Bettenhausen Automotive Group, representing Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year; and as a testament to their longevity in the industry, they continue to adapt to their customers' changing desires.  In the Chicago market, they know that failure to satisfy consumers' needs means they'll go elsewhere to find what they want.

"Over our 60-year history, the automotive market has become consumer driven.  What we've seen is that customers' expectations become reality," said Alec Bettenhausen, Director of E-Commerce.  "We see a lot of competition concerning pricing, availability, and customer satisfaction."

As a fourth-generation employee, Alec realizes there’s more to running a successful business than simply a name.  “Tinley Park and the surrounding communities have always provided a family-first atmosphere, and when the entire area treats each other like family, it’s apparent that residents take care of each other,” Bettenhausen said.  “We pass down family values, morals, and ethics to one another, and we treat each other with respect.”

In 1992, realizing that trust and honesty would ensure optimal success with its customer base; the dealership adopted a one-price approach to selling.  “The ‘One Price’ approach has worked because we recognized an opportunity in an industry where trust amongst customers and salespeople was diminishing,” Bettenhausen said.  “Instead of customers going through a rigorous task to obtain the best price, we put our prices on the window to show we have nothing to hide.”

The Bettenhausen Group was recently named a Kelley Blue Book Official Buying Center, which recognizes the best and most honest trade-in values.  This gives Bettenhausen the ability to write checks at Kelley Blue Book values for trade-ins and outright sales.

Bettenhausen Automotive Group, BettenhausenAutomotive.com, Tinley Park - Orland Park