The addition of the Olds and Saab nameplates promises to once again keep contractors busy along Pennsylvania and Lancaster avenues in the city. The expansion has resulted in the hiring of 28 people. That included master mechanics for Volvo and Saab. The total job count for the Delaware dealerships has expanded to 100 full-time positions. Uffner said the job total will grow in the future, noting that the company is selective in its hiring and like other businesses faces a tight labor market.
Auto dealerships are a huge factor in the economy in Wilmington and elsewhere.
Uffner said industry figure that new car dealers account for about 20 percent of all retail sales. In Delaware that adds to tax coffers in the form of gross receipts and motor vehicle taxes Earlier this year , the Union Park Group of dealerships, which are affiliated with the Delaware dealerships, added a Ford franchise at the landmark former Pontiac location. Union Park has also been expanding and remodeling its dealerships and some time ago added Jaguar to its dealership group. The Pontiac and other nameplates have been relocated to new quarters. The additional product lines will result in major construction projects, according to Uffner.