Car Dealers Are Dueling Over Isuzus

Sparks are flying over a letter one car dealership sent to a competitor’s customers.

“The customers that are calling are wondering about our whole organization,” said Chud Wendle, general manager of Wendle Ford Nissan Isuzu in Spokane. “Our reputation is being damaged.”

Dan Barton Oldsmobile Cadillac Isuzu of Coeur d’Alene sent a letter dated Dec. 8 to several of Wendle’s customers saying that Wendle would no longer carry or service Isuzus. Barton’s letter welcomed Wendle’s customers to call on Barton for all Isuzu needs.

“I would like to extend a personal invitation to you, as an Isuzu customer, to become part of the Dan Barton Isuzu family in Coeur d’Alene,” the letter says.

Not only is that false, said Dick Wendle, president of Wendle, it could be grounds for a lawsuit. Angry customers began calling his company last week, livid at having to drive to Coeur d’Alene for servicing.

“As of 8:45 this morning, they’re still telling people that we’re out of business,” Dick Wendle said. “We’re still selling (Isuzus) and we’re still servicing them. The whole thing is wrong. It was all completely out of order.”

Dan Barton’s letter says the company is acting on information given it by Isuzu. But, said Barton, it’s possible there was a misunderstanding. If so, he said, he will correct the mistake.

“I’m trying to find the truth myself,” Barton said. “There may be a big retraction coming from us and an apology to Wendle.”

Dick Wendle said he has been negotiating with Isuzu about transferring the dealership to another company, but he didn’t plan to make that change immediately.

A sales manager for Isuzu said Wendle is the Spokane dealer, and Barton is the Coeur d’Alene dealer.

“I think it was just a misunderstanding on Barton’s part,” said Curran Howard, zone sales manager for Isuzu. “Wendle’s still our authorized dealer.”

, DataTimes