The Rairdon auto dealership is adding a new model of cars to its Bellingham dealership - Volvo.
Rairdon, which currently sells Hyundai, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep models in Whatcom County, has reached an agreement to purchase King Volvo. The deal is scheduled to close Friday, March 1, said Mitch Roberts, general manager at Rairdon's of Bellingham. Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.
"We're very excited about this opportunity to buy Volvo and make it an even stronger brand in Whatcom County," Roberts said. "It's a very good, reputable model."
Roberts doesn't expect any immediate changes at the Volvo dealership, which is at 1601 Iowa St., near Rairdon's facility. Once the deal closes, the name will change to Rairdon Volvo of Bellingham. Along with vehicle sales, King Volvo has a parts and service department.
Frank King, who owns King Volvo, also is selling King Nissan to Wilson Motors. Announced on Thursday, Jan. 24, that Wilson deal is also expected to close on March 1. In July 2009, King sold the Hyundai dealership to Rairdon.
A phone message left for King was not returned.
Roberts said the purchase of Volvo represents a good opportunity for the company to continue its growth in the area. Sales of new and used cars have been on the upswing in the past year.
"Customers are definitely concerned about price, but they are buying if they see a deal," Roberts said. "There's been some pent-up demand."
Reach Business Editor Dave Gallagher at 360-715-2269 or dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com. Read his business blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/business or follow him on Twitter at @bhamheraldbiz.
