Business focus: Spokane Suzuki makes strong start

A new auto dealership made its Spokane Valley debut in late December and already has earned kudos from the manufacturer.

“In February we were the number one Suzuki dealer in sales in all of Washington,” said Spokane Suzuki sales manager Kevin Davis. “Our goal is to be number one in the state 12 months out of the year.”

The sales crew sold 21 new vehicles in the final two weeks of the month to help the new dealership win top honors for February.

“My goal for (March) is 40 new cars,” said general sales manager Steve Madden. “The success that we have here will decide how the company will grow with Suzuki.”

The dealership is part of the Wenatchee-based Kane Automotive Group, which also owns Spokane Kia in Liberty Lake, Spokane Kia on Sprague Avenue, Wenatchee Kia and Nampa (Idaho) Kia.

Spokane Suzuki employs 15 people, including those who work at the service center.

The new dealership is the company’s first expansion outside of Kia automobiles, Madden said. Spokane Suzuki is the only stand-alone, full-service Suzuki dealership in the Inland Northwest.

“We’re a volume dealer,” Davis added. “We don’t let price get in the way of selling cars. That’s how we survive.”

The dealership is at 14811 E. Sprague Ave., formerly the site of Motorsports Unlimited. The lot showcases about 150 vehicles.

Suzuki is perhaps best known for fast motorcycles, a division that remains separate from its latest push into passenger automobiles and compact SUVs. The Japanese automaker features a growing selection of vehicles designed to appeal to budget-conscious buyers looking for good values and popular amenities.

Both Davis and Madden agree the reception has been impressive for the dealership’s introduction to the Valley.

“I think this is a good spot because we are off the beaten path of auto row – but not very far,” said Madden, a longtime Spokane auto salesman who is new to the Kane group.

Madden says because consumers have changed over the past decade, and generally approach auto lots with far more information and perspective than before, salespeople also are changing.

“We tell them what they need to know right away,” he said, “And we want to make it fun. Because buying a car should be a fun experience.”