Variety of franchises positions Bowser dealership for the future

As the automobile industry introduces its 2010 models, a favored few will ignite the imagination of car-loving Americans. Gary Bowser Jr. has no doubt that the 2010 Buick La Crosse will be among those getting more than its fair share of attention. “It’s a phenomenal automobile,” said Bowser, general manager of the family dealership at Rt. 51 and Lewis Run Road, in Pleasant Hills. The 35-acre site, with four showrooms and three separate service departments, is home to Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Subaru, Hyundai and Nissan franchises. Gary’s brother, Kurt, serves as general manager of another family franchise, Bowser Cadillac, located on Washington Boulevard in McMurray. And there is also a Hyundai dealership in Chippewa Township.

The 2010 La Crosse already has generated plenty of talk at automotive shows across the country. Revamped and redesigned, it is the car that represents the revitalization of the Buick brand. It features “sweep spear” body-side styling, a waterfall grille and the signature Buick portholes. Premium materials create an inviting interior, with ice blue ambient lighting throughout.

Buick has announced pricing for the 2010 La Crosse Luxury sedan. It starts at $27,835 for the CX model, including a $750 destination charge. Standard equipment includes a new, technologically advanced 3.0L direct injection (DI) V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque (294 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Production will begin this summer. Buick also announced pricing, including the destination charge, at $30,395 for the CXL FWD, $32,570 for the CXL AWD, and $33,765 for the CXS.

Just how good of an automobile is the new La Crosse? “It is, in my opinion,” said Bowser, “the most exciting car that Buick has offered since the groundbreaking Century models.”

At various times the Buick Century earned a stellar reputation for innovation and performance. The La Crosse follows in that tradition.

According to Bowser, the Buick La Crosse isn’t the only GM nameplate that’s shown improved technology and design. Despite the challenges, GM continues to deliver high quality. “In fact,” said Bowser, “the quality is better than ever.”

The Bowser family’s involvement in the automobile business began with family patriarch Gary Bowser Sr, who remains involved in the dealership. He opened the first dealership in West Mifflin in 1983, relocating six years later to Pleasant Hills. Initially there were but two franchises — Pontiac and Subaru — but more were added over the years.

The Bowser family has a sentimental attachment to the Pontiac brand because of its importance in the early success of their business, but the dealership is well positioned for the future even with GM’s announced phasing out of Pontiac. “You have to look ahead,” said Bowser, “which is how you provide the autos and services your customers want. We have imports and domestic automobiles all at one location here in Pleasant Hills. Variety is a great part of our strength. Subaru and Hyundai, for example, have done especially well in a difficult year. And Nissan is still an up-and-comer in the Pittsburgh market.”

It is a market, he added, that has managed to avoid the more precipitous ups and downs experienced by dealerships in many other metropolitan areas. He credits their business acumen and experience for the fact that most dealerships have navigated difficult economic times successfully. And, as for the slowing economy, that only hones their competitive edge. “Competition brings about lower prices, which works to the advantage of the consumer,” said Bowser.

In addition to new vehicles, the Bowser dealership offers an extensive inventory of certified pre-owned vehicles. “This pre-owned market is definitely up, and is one of the most important we have right now,” Bowser said. Not every pre-owned vehicle can qualify for certification. In order to be considered for this designation, pre-owned vehicles have to meet a number of minimum standards, including a comprehensive inspection.

A medium-duty GMC Truck facility at Rt. 51 and Worthington Avenue adds yet another dimension to the dealership. It includes a body shop as well as a showroom. The facility has expanded from 6,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet.

Whether a customer is interested in a new vehicle, a certified pre-owned vehicle or a leased vehicle, a finance department staffed by experienced personnel not only provides financial information, but also facilitates loan applications. Applications can be made on the dealership’s web site, which provides useful information on a number of subjects of interest to buyers. These range from new inventory to pre-owned inventory to scheduling body shop or service work, as well as various “Power of Bowser” specials.

According to Bowser, concerns about the availability of new- and pre-owned vehicle financing are largely unfounded. Buyers with good credit, and who are buying vehicles they can afford, will be able to secure financing. And, he added, even buyers with marginal credit can usually secure automobile loans, so long as they have documentation supporting their income and other financial information.

Although they offer a vast amount of inventory as well as myriad services, Bowser franchises never forget that the customer always merits special consideration. “We treat buyers fairly and respectfully,” said Bowser. “We pride ourselves on offering a large dealership inventory, but always with a small-town atmosphere.” Gary Bowser Sr. took this neighborly approach to the automobile business from the very outset, and taught it to his sons. Today it remains paramount to the operation of the business.

An experienced staff is on hand to offer buyers the best in knowledge and service. Many of the staff associates have been with the dealership for decades. “We believe in treating our people right,” said Bowser. It’s an approach that earns loyalty, ensuring that good people with lots to offer stay with the organization.

While no one can be sure of the changes that will be forthcoming in the automobile industry, Bowser believes dealerships will come out of the current economic situation all the stronger for it. In the meantime, he said, there will seldom be a better opportunity than now for consumers to get a very good deal on a new car.