Local auto dealership under new ownership

By By Chris Allen Baker/staff writer
Jan. 10, 2002
Growth potential is among the reasons Sellers Automotive's new owners give as they launch operations that will replace a 46-year mainstay of the Meridian automotive business.
The current staff will be retained and its numbers are expected to grow, according to Brad Besner, vice president and dealer operator. After operating as Sellers Automotive for another month or so, the dealership's name will change to an identity that has not yet been decided, Besner said.
The decision to buy the dealership was a result of research that reflected a friendly business climate, Besner said.
Besner said the people of Meridian can expect to see aggressive advertising. "We feel we have a great team already on board. Some of our people have been here 15 and 17 years," Besner said.
Six new employees have been hired and plans call for hiring seven to 10 more.
The location of the dealership is another reason for the purchase, Besner said, describing Meridian as a "major hub." He said that "anybody who does any shopping in this area does it in Meridian."
Besner said the dealership will no longer sell Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles and Toyotas, but will concentrate on Hyundai, Daewoo and Mitsubishi. Besner said the previous inventory is being sold at lower than usual prices to make room for the new inventory.
Sellers Automotive was founded by the late Bill Sellers and, more recently, was under the ownership of Garry Lawyer, Sellers' son-in-law.