Shadyside Honda proves a perfect match for Rohrich Automotive Group

Like sun and fun, and diamonds and earrings, some things just make for a good fit. Such is the case with Shadyside Honda and the Rohrich Automotive Group. A well-known name in the western Pennsylvania automotive market, Rohrich already had a number of successful automobile dealerships when, in 2005, it acquired Shadyside Honda. “Our thinking,” said General Manager Mark Podrosky, “was that we had one of the best car brands in the world in Toyota, so why not partner that with Honda, another one of the best cars in the world?”

Located at 5121 Liberty Ave., next to the West Penn Hospital, in the Bloomfield section of Pittsburgh, Shadyside has a long tenure in the neighborhood. The acquisition, it turned out, was an excellent match. “Adding Shadyside Honda enhanced our portfolio of products,” said Podrosky. “Accord and Civic, for example, are two of the best cars in their class.”

Indeed, the Accord has garnered a wall of awards from any number of sources, including Kelley Blue Book, Kiplinger’s, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Motor Trend, and the Union of Concerned Scientists. That’s not to mention 23 10Best trophies in 27 years from Car and Driver.

The Civic’s introduction in 1973 transformed Honda from a company known for motorcycles to one that made cars. It is regarded by many as having set the small-car standard. Although a great deal more luxurious than its early predecessors, the 2009 Civic remains a small-car Honda mainstay, and is available in an array of configurations. The 2009 hybrid version gets up to 45 mpg, based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates.

With the acquisition, Rohrich invested in a makeover of the dealership. It included the installation of a new customer lounge, and the refurbishing of the showroom. The service area has 12 technicians, several of them Master Technicians. As for inventory, Shadyside Honda keeps an inventory of some 150 vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. There is also an extensive pre-owned inventory.

Those individuals who are weighing the merits of financing or leasing can discuss the options with the Finance Department. In either case, they can help in making the right choice.

In addition to the physical plant and the Shadyside Honda staff that keeps it running efficiently, the neighborhood itself has advantages of a special kind. “We really appreciate being in the heart of the health-care and education center of Pittsburgh,” said Podrosky. “We now offer a free shuttle service, making it more convenient for this population of people to utilize our dealership.”

The match between Rohrich Toyota and Shadyside Honda has proved to be a winning one. In April, both stores had their best months thus far for 2009. It portends well for the future of both Rohrich franchises, which may yet prove that when it comes to automobile dealerships, some matches are made in heaven.