May 24, 2009 - Dallas Morning NewsVan Chevrolet has deep roots in Carrollton
Van Chevrolet has been an important part of Carrollton's development, community and history and the entire dealership team is committed to ensuring they remain a great part of its future.
The business has 83-year-old roots. When the primary mode of transportation shifted from horses to cars in the early 1900s, Carrollton blacksmith J.T. Vandergriff became adept at repairing cars. In 1926, he opened Vandergriff Chevrolet. The original store was on the old town square. Vandergriff, his son W.T. Vandergriff and his grandson Tom Vandergriff remained active in Carrollton throughout their careers. The dealership remained in the family until 1972, when it was sold to John Boswell, and was then purchased by the Van Tuyl family, continuing the tradition of a family owning dealerships and giving back to the communities that support them. Victor Vandergriff still works with the Van Tuyl family to redevelop Carrollton and many other communities in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.
"We take a lot of pride in Carrollton and in the wonderful relationship we have with our loyal customers," general manager Earl Hudson says. "We look forward to continuing to exceed their expectations for many years to come while providing the best service, selection and pricing."
Van Chevrolet employees are committed to finding the vehicle that is right for each customer, even if that is not a new vehicle. All of their pre-owned vehicles come with a warranty and every car comes with a low-price guarantee so customers can buy from the dealership without the fear of finding a lower price elsewhere after their purchase. That's probably one of the reasons why the store is often among the dealers in Dallas that sell the most certified used cars.
"We're totally committed to our customers," says Robert Craft, the dealership's new and used car director. "Some dealership employees treat it as just a job, but we believe it is an important part of our lives to provide the best new and used cars, trucks and SUVs, along with parts and service." He says that new models such as the Camaro, Traverse and Equinox are the best General Motors has ever made and that this is a great time to buy an American vehicle.
Craft points out that the dealership also is often ranked among the top in the nation for both sales and service in GM's Customer Satisfaction Index ratings.
The store's body shop has also become known for pioneering the use of "green" painting technology in North Texas. Its aftermarket accessories and equipment shop is the largest in the area, Craft says.
The dealership has a long standing tradition of giving back to the community. Recent examples include sponsoring Big Hearts for Families, in which a car was given away to a single mother, sponsored a robotic competition for CFBISD and Coppell Elementary School PTA programs.
The great service doesn't stop after you buy your car. Van Chevrolet hosts a monthly customer appreciation event, where new owners can meet the management team, tour the dealership and learn more about their vehicles. Besides Hudson and Craft, the management staff includes Richard Molina, service director; Fred Whitfield, fleet director; Mark Hamons, body shop director; Shane Collins, finance director; Steve Teigland, parts director; and Laura Davis, comptroller.
Van Chevrolet is located at 1700 S. Interstate Highway 35E in Carrollton. For more information, call 972-389-6700 or visit
www.vanchevytexas.com.
