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Bert Smith updating European cars site
By SHARON BOND, Neighborhood Times Business Editor ST. PETERSBURG -- Bert Smith, the longtime car dealership on U.S. 19 N at 38th Avenue, is planning a renovation worth a couple of million dollars to give the facility on the west side of the highway a more European facade. That is where the dealership's Euro Collection is sold and where Oldsmobiles, which established Bert Smith, are fading away. General Motors announced in late 2000 that it was discontinuing the Oldsmobile although it said it would make them for a few more years, as long as there was demand. Bert Smith has about a dozen new Oldsmobiles now. Renovation is expected to start in 60 to 90 days. The Euro Collection includes used Porche, BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Jaguar and some Ferraris, according to Rob Bolinger, general sales manager for the Euro Collection. Bert Smith will continue to sell Daewoos, Isuzus and Subarus at its facility on the east side of U.S. 19 N at 38th Avenue, where it also has a large selection of used cars in less expensive lines. "We moved all the Asian cars to the east side of the street," Bolinger said. When the sales of the European used cars are revved up, Bert Smith will be selling about 35 to 40 a month, compared to five or so now, Bolinger said. "When you have $100,000 pre-owned cars, the market gets pretty thin," Bolinger said. He said he buys and sells the used luxury cars all over the country. Bert Smith would have established the Euro Collection even if the Oldsmobile hadn't been stopped. And if the Oldsmobile remained alive, the dealership still would be selling it, Bolinger said. "The family has owned it right at 50 years," Bolinger said. Bert Smith III is head of the dealership now. In 1953 Bert Smith Jr. bought an Oldsmobile dealership on Fourth Street N and several years later moved it to U.S. 19 N, which is home to numerous car dealerships now. Smith is said to have been the first dealership to move out of downtown for U.S. 19 N. Bolinger described the new look of the facility to be remodeled as Eurotech with a brushed aluminum look on the exterior. "It was necessary to create an environment for clients that is upscale, fresh and European," Bolinger said. He did not have the exact amount the dealership would spend to create the front and redo all of the offices, but said it probably would be a couple of million dollars. Among the additions will be a boutique with Porsche and BMW clothing and accessories, even including bicycles.
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
