Jenner expanding its footprint

Jenner Chevrolet has started a massive makeover that will allow the West Shore's largest

automobile dealership to handle a new generation of vehicles and better serve the customers

who buy them.

Building permit data show the construction value of the project at 1730 Island Highway is

$1.2 million, but manager Fred Jenner said the final costs will be "much higher" when work is

completed this summer.

"We've lived in the Western communities for 30 years and the intent is to rebuild for the

next 30 years," Jenner said Thursday as construction crews moved in temporary trailers to

house sales and some administration staff. "In this business it's the product that drives you

and we are going to be ready for the new products."

Jenner will start selling the Volt, Chevrolet's entry into the electric car market, this

summer and there are several other new brands already arrived and others on the way.

The dealership is equipped to service hybrids, but those models are changing and, like the

Volt, will require showroom space and specialized tools and areas for servicing, said Jenner.

The dealership sells more than 30 models across the Chevrolet, Buick and GMC brands.

The construction project will add 15,000 square feet to the existing building, erected in

1977 as Millstream Chevrolet.

When completed the footprint will cover more than 35,000 square feet and include a bigger

showroom to fit more vehicles and pull the parts and service departments together from the

opposite sides of the building.

Extensive plumbing and electrical upgrades are in the plans, as well as landscaping

improvements.

A new covered drive will allow customers to pull into the service area and speak with

technicians from their vehicle.

The parts and service department will have extra space and there will be male and female

locker and shower facilities for the dealership's 52 staff. Sales and administration will be

grouped together on one floor.

Jenner said the dealership is also investing in new diagnostic equipment and tools, and

extensive staff training, to service the revamped line of vehicles from General Motors.

The big auto company emerged from bankruptcy last year with a new product list, including the

Cruze, a hot-seller for Jenner. The Orlando, a compact wagon built on the Cruze platform, the

Sonic, a replacement for the Aveo and GM's smallest vehicle and the Spark will arrive later

this year. The Volt arrives this summer with limited production of about 25,000 vehicles,

according to some reports. That capacity is expected to increase to about 60,000 or higher in

2012, but will trail Nissan's electric entry, the Leaf, by a wide margin.

Wheaton GM will also sell the Volt in Victoria.

Jack Jenner took over the dealership in 1981 after managing dealerships in Western Canada for

GM.

"General Motors has had its ups and downs over the past few years," Jenner said. "But GM is

really putting out some top quality products and this rebuilding project reflects that. It

was time we upgraded to give back to our workers and staff -and to our customers."