Hanson Motors of the Olympia Auto Mall will stop selling new Volkswagens Jan. 31 after 39 years as a Volkswagen dealership, according to an announcement sent to Hanson customers this week.
The announcement was forwarded to The Olympian Wednesday afternoon.
“We apologize for the inconvenience this will no doubt cause you with regard to seeking warranty service on your Volkswagen,” the announcement states.
It goes on to say that Hanson Motors will continue to sell and service used Volkswagens, as well as sell and service new Kia and Subaru vehicles.
Tacoma attorney Ron Coleman, who spoke for Hanson Motors on Wednesday, said Volkswagen of America decided to go in a different direction.
“(Owner) Vince Hanson cares about his customers,” Coleman said. “Sometimes things happen in business that are out of your control.”
He added that it was an unfortunate situation for those who need warranty service, but “nobody would like to avoid that more than Hanson,” he said.
Hanson Motors’ statement went on to say that they “do not presently know of any dealer in Thurston County who will be selling new Volkswagens.”
Coleman added that the next closest new Volkswagen dealer is in Tacoma.
It wasn’t clear Wednesday how many Hanson employees might be affected by the change in business.
“I know Vince is extremely committed to his employees, and he was doing everything he could to not affect his employees,” Coleman said.
Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403 rboone@theolympian.com theolympian.com/bizblog @rolf_boone
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