A HUGELY popular dealership is facing an almighty overhaul after it was sold following its bankruptcy.
It will feature a fresh name and a revamped look, sparking anticipation among some customers for a new direction.
GoogleJerry Ray Davis CDJR dealership in Kentucky is set for a bold new look and direction[/caption]Amber Beehn and Dr. Suzanne Rashidian of Owensboro, Kentucky, along with their business partner David Vatland of Florida, are set to take ownership of the city’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership – after winning a court-supervised bankruptcy auction for Davis Auto Group.
According to a recent report in the Owensboro Times, the trio secured the winning bid of approximately $7.65 million in the auction on March 4, 2025.
The sale remains subject to final approval by the US Bankruptcy Court with a hearing scheduled for March 13, while Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, must approve the transfer.
However, should everything go through as planned, the outlet – which will remain at its current location – is set for a major rebrand as Vass Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, along with a new logo, signage, and website.
Their package includes the dealership’s new and used vehicle inventory, parts, merchandise, intellectual property, and lease rights to the current location.
Beehn, who has spent 20 years in the auto industry, called the acquisition a “dream come true”, with the dealership to be among the few women-owned auto dealerships in Kentucky and Owensboro,
Vatland, who has spent 31 years in the industry and owns Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Honda dealerships in Vero Beach, Florida, said he wants to bring a positive culture to the new store with an emphasis on customer trust and transparency.
He added: “The car business is always about tweaking processes and procedures.
“Suzanne touched on how she doesn’t like the car buying process, and it doesn’t feel fun.
“So, we want to change that. We want to make it fun. We will be transparent and open. We’re going to take care of customers — they come first.”
With the transaction structured as an asset sale, all employees will technically be laid off by Davis Auto Group.
However, they will potentially be rehired by Vass Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Beehn assured that the new ownership intends to bring back the entire staff.
Beehn added: “There’s a sense of relief.
“A lot of employees have thanked us, saying they finally see light at the end of the tunnel. They’re ready for guidance and leadership.”
All three members of the group have expressed a strong desire to integrate into the Owensboro community, with Vatland and Beehn keen for a hands-on approach that ensures both employees and customers feel valued.
Beehn said: “We want to build a culture where employees enjoy coming to work.
“Trust will be huge, from service to sales, so that no matter who a customer talks to, they receive the same answer.”
The previous owners, which operated under the name Jerry Ray Davis Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the beginning of the year amid a legal dispute with the dealership’s minority owners, Matthew Hayden and the Estate of Jack T. Wells.
They accused majority owner and manager Jerry Ray Davis of self-dealing and mismanagement.
That includes the failure to fulfill tax obligations and misuse of company funds for personal expenses, which Davis filed counterclaims for. .
Davis later provided a $400,000 emergency loan, known as a debtor-in-possession loan, to keep the dealership operational.
He also said he ended up loaning the store an additional $300,000 through his own funds.
On the recent sale, he said: “I felt really good about the dealer who won the bid.
“They will be a great asset to the community and continue taking care of the employees and customers. That’s all I wanted.”
Reaction to the news on social media was mixed.
On Facebook, one local wrote: “If a dealership had to file for bankruptcy, it’s due to business practices. By rehiring all the same employees, you’re just going to be in the same boat you left it in.
“You better do something different because JRD CDJR had a lot of skeletons in their closet – not just from JRD.”
But a second simply said: “Hopefully it’ll run better with him gone.”
While a third commented: “No disrespect, but I think a Chrysler dealership is like a boat.
“The happiest days are the day you buy it and the day you sell it.”
Dealership Tips
Here are some expert tips when purchasing a car from a dealership lot:
1. Set your price: Ensure you’ve calculated your monthly budget before going to the lot. You should include the car’s loan payment, insurance costs, fuel, and regular maintenance. 2. Research: Make sure you know which cars you’re interested in test driving before you reach the dealership. 3. Pre-approval: Secure financing before you go to the dealership. Dealerships may give you a better interest rate if they are competing with an outside bank. 4. Test away: Get behind the wheel before making any payments. A car purchase will be worth thousands of dollars – drivers should ensure they like the drivetrain, steering feel, and comfort of the car before taking it off the lot 5. Haggle: Drivers should always try to negotiate the price. There are so many good cars on the American market – buyers have a strong hand when negotiating price.Source: Kelley Blue Book
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