Chrysler and Dodge Franchise

Wallace auto group could get OK to buy Chrysler, Dodge franchise

By Eric Pfahler (Contact)
Originally published 04:37 p.m., June 30, 2009
Updated 04:37 p.m., June 30, 2009


STUART — Chrysler and Dodge customers in Martin and St. Lucie counties soon may not have to travel far to buy new products, and should have a new assurance that Stuart Jeep will remain open for warranty service.

Bill Wallace of Wallace Automotive Group announced an agreement to buy Stuart Jeep, pending Chrysler approval.

Wallace announced the agreement Tuesday and hopes to gain franchise agreements with Chrysler and Dodge so that all three brands could be sold at the location. The deal is expected to take 30 to 45 days to complete.

“We’re kind of excited by that,” Wallace said. “We weren’t sure there was going to be Chrysler representation in Martin and St. Lucie counties.”

Wallace declined to discuss financial details of the pending transaction.

Stuart Jeep owner Tom Willett said this was the best step to retain employees, which could increase from 32 to 60 under Wallace.

“A large number of people were able to keep their jobs and that was important for me,” said Willett, who plans to move to Colorado once the sale is completed.

After Chrysler Corp. ended franchise agreements with 789 dealers, St. Lucie County and Martin counties have been without Chrysler and Dodge. Stuart Jeep never lost its franchise agreement. Warranty work for Chrysler products can be done at Stuart Jeep. Wallace said he wants to sell new products at the Jeep location.

He said he hopes to be at full capacity by September or October of this year. In the meantime, Wallace said he plans to fill out the staff.

“We really need to add people,” Wallace said.

He said all Jeep employees will stay, and that he has not had to lay off anyone.

Wallace said the purchase does not affect St. Lucie County Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships. He owns Wallace Chrysler Jeep in Fort Pierce. The dealership, which lost its franchise agreements, is doing repair work and selling used cars.

Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge owners have been scrambling since the dealerships lost franchise agreements.

Vero Beach Chrysler received franchise agreements with Jeep and Dodge; there are no other Dodge or Chrysler franchises on the Treasure Coast.

“It means a great deal for the Treasure Coast customers,” Willett said. “It will become very clear in the next few weeks where they can go to get services for their products.”

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