Shelton Buick GMC Celebrates 55 Years of Business

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Sept. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Shelton Buick GMC, the oldest dealership in Northern Oakland County, is celebrating 55 years of selling and servicing cars and trucks.

A Celebration of History and Vehicle Technology
The company will kick off a week-long celebration Sept. 23 and, in auto show style, offer special customer savings on new and pre-owned vehicles, while educating consumers on rapidly changing vehicle technology. Authorized General Motors product specialists will make presentations on vehicle safety, performance, and engineering, among other topics.

Shelton Buick GMC President and CEO, Russ Shelton, emphasized the business was built on the principle of treating customers like family.

"Since it was founded by my father, the late Bud Shelton, in 1958, the company has proudly served the transportation needs of thousands of families in the greater Rochester area," says Shelton. "I'm proud of our history and of being a good corporate citizen in this community."

The company was established 55 years ago at the corner of Third and Main Street in the Village of Rochester. It moved to its current Rochester Road location in 1963. Today, it employs 45 people.

Shelton Vauxhall, Opel, Pontiac, Buick, GMC
Shelton says over the years the dealership sold a number of vehicle brands, including Vauxhall, Opel, Pontiac, Buick and GMC. Today, Buick and GMC are sold, yet the business continues to grow and provide additional services and customer conveniences, like a new lounge area designed to look and feel more like an alluring Internet café than a customer waiting room.

Shelton, former president of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, and chairman of the North American International Auto Show, says despite some of the serious challenges the industry has faced, the business has persevered, is healthy, and will remain so.

"With major, national changes that were occurring at the economic and industry levels a few years ago, there were times when we were very concerned about the future," says Shelton. "Fortunately, we've worked through those challenges. Today, we're healthier and stronger, and continue to be committed to our employees, our customers, and our community. They deserve nothing less."

The New Look and Feel
Much of the growth of Shelton Buick GMC has occurred in the last few years when the dealership was selected to participate in the General Motors "Image Program," a nationwide effort to update the facilities of the approximately 4,500 GM dealerships in the United States. Having undergone three major renovations over its lifetime, Shelton Buick GMC now features:

• A completely renovated 9,000 square-foot showroom
• An all-new, progressive and seasoned management team focused on the customer experience as top priority
• A contemporary customer lounge complete with wireless Internet work stations, complimentary beverage and snack bar, enclosed children's play area, big-screen HD television and more
• A renovated and state-of-the-art Service Department, servicing all makes and models
• A full-service Body Shop and a well-stocked customer Parts and Accessories Department

The company also cleared and resurfaced an adjacent lot, where it stores most of its wide-ranging inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles.

Shelton in the Community
Like many auto retailers, Shelton Buick GMC has played an important role in the community. The dealership's long-term commitment, leadership and financial support are evident everywhere in the Rochester community from Crittenton Hospital's Shelton Heart Center, to the Rainbow Connection, to Leader Dogs for the Blind and the Rochester Community House Shelton Room.

And, in past and present, Shelton has received almost every civic award possible, including "Outstanding Citizen of the Year," conferred by the Rochester Chamber.  Shelton was also a finalist for the Time Magazine "Quality Dealer Award" and served as Grand Marshal for the Greater Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade.

Shelton says he has seen a lot of change in the industry over the years. And, he admits, some has brought major challenges. But he's a survivor, and thanks to a committed team of employees, a loving family, a loyal customer base and a supportive community, the Shelton dealership on Rochester Road is on course to continue to provide Buick and GMC vehicles and service them well into the future.

"I am as excited about the future today as I was when I got into this business," he says. "It's the only industry I've ever known. It's part of my DNA."

SOURCE Shelton Buick GMC