Local auto dealership closes after 53 years

URBANA — An Urbana auto dealer that has served the area for more than five decades is closing, while another local dealership is expanding.

According to information provided by Trenor Motors Thursday, Dec. 17, Buckles Motors, Inc., 871 S. Main St., will be closing its doors. The company has been in business since 1956 and carries Buick, Pontiac and GMC. Trenor Motors, Inc., 1100 Scioto St., has purchased the Buick and GMC franchises, the company said.

Company officials at Trenor declined to provide further comment Thursday. Officials at Buckles could not be reached for comment.

Employees at Buckles are being asked to submit job applications with Trenor Motors.

“As we continue to grow our expanded product lines, we plan to integrate more jobs into the community,” Roger Tehan Jr., owner and president of Trenor, said in a press release.

Tony Warye, general sales manager at White’s Ford in Urbana, said while the auto dealers compete for business, it’s friendly competition. He said while he was sad to see Buckles go, he’s glad Trenor will still sell the GMC and Buick lines in the county. He said all of the businesses had served the county for decades.

“We wish both dealerships the best of luck,” Warye said.

Trenor Motors began in 1926 when it owner Clem opened a Chevrolet dealership on West Court Street. The recent facility on Scioto Street has been in place since 1967.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.

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