Tom Carpenter, co-owner of Auto Center Southeast in Groveport, OH, had three Saturn dealerships. In 2009, GM euthanized Saturn, and Carpenter had to look for new cars to sell. Now, he is looking again.
Last August, Carpenter signed up for a Saab franchise. Carpenter “was aware of the manufacturer’s financial concerns but thought it was on solid ground,” says the Columbus Dispatch. Saab’s production lines had not been moving since April.
That enormous leap of faith was unrewarded. In December, Saab filed for bankruptcy. Carpenter was “not ready to say the brand is dead,” wrote the paper last December. Carpenter joined the ranks of the Saab faithful who hoped for a white knight.
On January 23, Saab Cars North America was liquidated. Saab of Columbus has 18 new Saabs on the lot, and 2 used ones. In a final closeout sale, no reasonable offer will be refused.
Scott Carpenter is looking for new cars to sell. For the second time in two years.