Former auto sales pitchman opens own dealership

VanGorder now is working on a slogan for his own used car dealership, SVG Motors, which opened to the public last month at 880 E. National Road.

VanGorder said his business name stands for Superior Value Guarantee.

He said that he hopes to give his customers a fun experience at an affordable price.

“Not sure what direction we’re going to go with the slogan. Initially, my business (slogan) is ‘why buy new? Raise your expectations, not your payments,’ ” he said.

Customers can expect to see vehicles on SVG’s lot that are 2007 and newer, according to VanGorder.

He said he decided to focus on the used car market.

“We’re seeing prices as low as 50 percent off the sticker price. I see a real value there for people to buy used cars,” he said.

The East National Road address used to house John Rankin Auto Sales, according to Rich Hopkins, spokesman for the city of Vandalia.

“We’re always very excited to welcome a new business to town, and this is no exception,” Hopkins said. “We see the east end of National Road as the beginning of our business corridor, so it’s very important to us to have a strong and active business presence anchoring that end of the strip.”

SVG Properties in Spring Valley bought the property from Robert and Patricia Fisher in March for $267,500, according to Montgomery County Auditor’s records.

VanGorder said he became a salesman after high school by selling stereo equipment at a store at the military base where his father was stationed in Idaho. Upon the suggestion of his manager, VanGorder decided to try selling cars.

“I found my passion and that was in the car business,” he said.

For more information, visit www.svgmotors.com.