C&V Auto is surviving well, remains Chrysler

Lynne Lynch/Columbia Basin Herald<br> C&V Auto parallels North Frontage Road and Interstate 90 near Moses Lake.

by Lynne Lynch<br
| May 22, 2009 9:00 PM

MOSES LAKE — One week after Chrysler asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to end numerous dealer agreements nationwide, the owner of Moses Lake’s C&V Auto Sales & Service spoke about how his business is surviving.

With the Chrysler dealer consolidations, C&V owner Rich Childress said on Thursday he thinks his second-generation business’s sales will improve in the long haul.

C&V has been with Chrysler since 1958 and throughout the years, developed a loyal clientele, Childress said. They have been in business since 1953.

“I think the reputation of our dealership will have just as a direct affect as anything else,” Childress commented.

A majority of C&V’s customers live in Moses Lake, Ephrata and Quincy, with some even traveling from Coulee City and Grand Coulee to buy vehicles.

“I’m one of those old-fashioned kind of guys,” he says. “I believe what I sell is the best on the road. I believe Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep are the best engineered on the road.”

He said he’s seen where sales are based on convenience and rebates.

But sometimes the cheapest price isn’t the best deal, he added.

Some have wanted to incorporate their product into his business. But Childress said he would be hypocritical to have competitive makes on the sales floor.

There are also other factors that affect the auto business in Grant County.

When the economy improves, there are more sales, but the area doesn’t match the national economy, he said.

The reverse is true when the economy is doing poorly.

“We didn’t go into a free fall,” he said.

“We stay pretty steady,” Childress commented. “You can’t be in the business that long without having an owner base to sustain you.”

And second, third and fourth generations return to the store to shop because of their family’s relationship with the business.

The business is changing and evolving since its original opening near Safeway on Pioneer Way, which was considered on the edge of Moses Lake in the 1950s.

About three years ago, C&V moved to a new location on Frontage Road as its previous location was “really cramped,” Childress said.

The parts department expanded and holds professional relationships with the independent garages to keep them happy buying parts through C&V.

Employees are also receiving ongoing training. Technicians and sales representatives take online classes at the business.

His son, Kyle, and daughter, Kaylynn, both work at the business. Longtime employees are sales representative Ray Shearer and office manager Judy Fogerson.

C&V is located on 12174 N. Frontage Road. For more information, call 509-765-3461.