Riverside Auto Center 'dodges' bullet

Riverside Auto Center has “dodged” the bullet.

Battling with bankruptcy, Chrysler last week informed 800 dealerships across the nation they would no longer be selling their vehicles, which includes Dodge and Jeep. Riverside, a fourth-generation business that has been selling Chrysler since 1965, was spared.

On another note, Riverside is among 1,100 that faces the possibility of losing its Chevrolet/GM dealership in October 2010. But for now, it’s business as usual. Just last night, the dealership was scheduled to unveil the newly designed 2010 Chevrolet Camero.

“We are here to serve all Chrysler and GM products and we will honor Chrysler products,” said Bill Hiatt Sr., whose son, Bill Hiatt Jr., is president of the dealership and daughter, Wendy Hawks, is vice-president.

Taylor-Parker Motor Co. in Sandpoint will lose its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealership, which makes the Coeur d’Alene dealership the next closest. Taylor-Parker will no longer service vehicles under warranty.

Riverside, which employs 26 full- and part—time workers, will continue to serve Chrysler customers in sales and warranty work and parts.

“We realize the customer has choices out there, but we are here to give them personal service,” Bill Hiatt Sr. “We have always been in good standing, meeting the goals set by Chrysler Corp. in sales, customer satisfaction and sales satisfaction.”

Riverside Auto Center could create six new jobs, depending on business.

“Riverside will be expanding its Chrysler-technician base to accommodate our customers,” said Bill Hiatt Sr. “And we are also planning to have Saturday appointments in our service department.”

Riverside Auto Center is a full-service dealership with a rental car department, towing and a body and paint shop.

Riverside Auto Center was started in Sandpoint as Lakeshore Motors. Owner Fran Hiatt expanded the business in 1971 to Bonners Ferry, selling Datsuns. Bill Hiatt Sr., who is Fran’s son, and Bill’s wife, Linda, in 1974 moved to Bonners Ferry, where they co-owned the dealership with Fran Hiatt.

In 1985, Linda and Bill Hiatt Jr. added Chrysler and a few years later, Jeep. Riverside has been selling Chevrolet since 1990.