Bill Marine: A Springfield history
1977: Purchased Chrysler/Plymouth franchise
1978: Purchased Dodge franchise
1988: Sold Chrysler/Plymouth
Retained Da-Mar Motors, classic and used car sales
1991: Purchased Downtown Motors, Subaru/Volkswagen/Audi/Honda
That week, owners of the Chrysler/Plymouth Dodge franchise gave it back to the corporation
Purchased Chrysler/Plymouth again; Dodge went to Monte Zinn
1997: Purchased Jeep franchise
2009: Sold Chrysler/Jeep to Jeff Wyler
SPRINGFIELD — Bill Marine has a long history with Chrysler, and this week he added what looks to be the final local chapter in that tale.
The veteran car dealer, who bought his first auto franchise in 1960, ended a 32-year run with Chrysler in Springfield on Tuesday, July 28, with the sale of his Chrysler and Jeep franchises to the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, Inc.
“We elected to sell to Jeff Wyler because Chrysler’s future (with Fiat) is anyone’s guess and we’re looking at a couple of possibilities right now. ... With all the opportunities we have, we felt this was the best move,” Marine said.
He said he received no pressure from Chrysler to complete the sale.
The Bill Marine Auto Center, 415 E. North St., will continue with its Honda, Mazda and Volkswagen franchises, used-car sales and service.
“Bill Marine Auto Sales will be successful in the Springfield market because we have the right skills and the right products. ... We will be keeping all of our employees. No one will lose a job,” he said.
Marine also owns Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealerships in Wilmington and Washington Court House and a Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealership in Wilmington.
All Chrysler and Jeep vehicle inventory was transferred to his other locations, but parts were purchased by Wyler, he said.
Marine has owned various Chrysler franchises throughout the years and has seen the company cycle through many leaders and business plans.
“In the beginning, we had two separate buildings to house all of the Chrysler brands. Then, the company decided they wanted the brands in three separate facilities and now the new plan is to have all three brands under one roof,” he said.
When he had the opportunity to repurchase all three Chrysler brands in 1991, he met with Monte Zinn, another area dealer to discuss bringing all the brands back to town.
“We met for lunch and tossed a coin. He got Dodge and I got Chrysler/Plymouth,” he said.
Marine said he is committed to keeping his Springfield operation strong.
“We are proud to be a part of this community, and we’re committed to supporting Springfield,” he said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.
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