Loyal employees who provide outstanding customer service are key in the success of Lane Car Company, 2200 Ortonville Road.
The dealership is family-owned and operated by Jim Lane, Jr. and Jim Lane, Sr., who are joined by salesmen Rick Kolb and Charlie Winters, as well as operations manager Cindy Brenner and detailer Colee Garza.
‘We’ve got a great team and great principles that revolve around great service,? says Jim Lane, Jr. ‘It is the people we have that makes us successful.?
The dealership has between 40 and 50 vehicles of all makes and models on the lot at any given time, ranging in price from the $3,988 special up to $20,000. Approximately 90 percent of the vehicles sold are priced to sell under $10,000. Vehicles move quickly off the lot and if you want something not on the lot, they will get it. There is something for everyone, and financing for everyone, too. Prime loans are available, as well as subprime loans for credit challenged customers.
‘You don’t need to go anywhere else to get a car, you can get the best price and best service right here,? Lane said. ‘We try to fit a vehicle into a price point the customer feels comfortable with. If they have marginal credit, we try to get them something they can truly afford.?
Lane buys vehicles from other franchise dealers that he has established relationships with, as well as from residents in the community. He encourages customers to bring their vehicles to him first when they want to sell, in order to get a better price than they would at another dealership.
‘Give us a shot to buy your vehicle before you trade it in,? Lane said. ‘Mileage doesn’t matter, it just needs to be nice and taken care of. We pay all the money for the nice car.?
Lane Car Company evaluates each vehicle and makes any repairs needed before resale. Every vehicle is detailed before it leaves the lot.
‘We’re very discriminate in what vehicles we put out there and how we treat customers,? Lane said. ‘We want to retain our people in Ortonville, Goodrich and Clarkston.?
Despite a struggling economy, Lane Car Company sells about 40 vehicles a month. Lane gives special thanks to John Hagar, who leases the property to him.
‘When I came up with this plan, he gave me an opportunity and thanks to him, we have one of the most successful operations in Michigan.?
Lane Car Company, 2200 Ortonville Road, is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Details: 248- 627-8000.