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Management is getting down and dirty at Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, doing whatever it takes to make deals and keep the metal moving.

General Manager Doug Harbison and Parts Manager Randal Sharpe have been outside washing the windows, drumming up business and helping give potential customers a clear view of the great deals going on at the downtown dealership. Sharpe also has been seen well above the ground in a bucket truck, maintaining the lights so the view of the vehicles stays just as clear at night.

"It's important to have a good-looking facility," Sharpe said between strokes of the squeegee on the glass.

It also is important to set the record straight about local vehicle sales. Hendrick Durham Auto Mall offers more than just trucks and SUVs in its product line, and -- although the market may be soft on the bigger, less fuel-efficient models -- sales continue on economy cars.

Right now, Hendrick Durham Auto Mall has more than six models of car in its lineup that can get better than 30 miles per gallon of fuel. And, while it may take large incentives and need-motivated buyers to move the trucks and SUVS, there are holes on the lot where the smaller cars used to be as more and more leave the dealership for the streets of the Triangle.

Among the most popular vehicles being purchased in Durham is the HHR, which can get 40 miles to the gallon and 450 miles to a tank. Also being bought are the Aveo and Cobalt (34 mpg), Malibu (32 mpg) and Impala (31 mpg).

The Chevy Equinox, a small SUV equipped with a very similar engine to the Malibu and Impala, also can get more than 30 miles to the gallon.

And that is just in the new Chevy line. Add the large selection of pre-owned economy cars on the lot being sold at near-wholesale prices -- cars like Hondas and Toyotas -- the amount of movement, activity and fuel-saving options at Hendrick Durham Auto Mall is even greater.

Sales of the economy cars is helping to make up for the lack of trucks and SUVs being sold. Hendrick Durham Auto Mall was mentioned in a local newspaper article this week about reportedly sagging sales at dealerships. The article's focus was on how creative dealerships are having to become to maintain business in the face of reportedly sagging sales.

Harbison was quoted as saying that until he gets his truck inventory down, he is not buying any more from the manufacturer. But that is not necessarily bad news; the lineup of fuel-efficient cars is what buyers are coming for, and those vehicles are being sold.

Nationally, cars that are noted for getting good gas mileage have seen a slight uptick in sales. That has held true locally, as well. And the deals are just as good on those vehicles as they are on the trucks and SUVs.

So, come on down to Rick Hendrick Chevrolet and see for yourself. Say hello to Doug and Randal, browse the strong inventory of economy cars and enjoy a great view of the great deals.

Labels: Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, Doug Harbison, Randal Sharpe, British Open, HHR, Aveo, Cobalt, Malibu, Equinox, Impala

Labels: Aveo, British Open, Cobalt, Doug Harbison, Equinox, HHR, Impala, Labels: Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, Malibu, Randal Sharpe