News reports indicate that Allen Samuels CJDRF will be splitting off their Fiat franchise and building a new dealership to house the Fiat/Alfa Romeo franchise. For the full report -
click here The 21,000 square foot facility on five acres is expected to cost about $6 Million inclusive of real estate.
I don't know the market or how space constrained the existing Allen Samuels CJDR location may be, but to me a $6 Million investment into a Fiat/Alfa franchise seems like a curious investment.
I doubt that Allen Samuels has been getting any pressure from Auburn Hills because it wouldn't make sense, in my opinion, to pressure a dealer to commit to a single point Fiat/Alfa store given the franchise's historic sales volume and prospects for the future.
Regardless of my opinion, Allen Samuels is obviously a successful operation and they must see a potential ROI that eludes me.