Long-time Western New York auto dealer Steve Baldo says he is taking control of his own fate by giving up his Chevrolet franchise on his terms and in his own time.
In place of Chevy, Baldo's Clarence dealership on Feb. 1 will begin a partnership with national auto aftermarket companies Meineke and EconoLube.
The Main Street location, to be called Steve Baldo Car Care and Resale Center, will house used vehicle sales, a collision and paint center, Meineke Car Care and EconoLube. All makes and model vehicles will be sold and serviced.
"I'm not going to get stuck waiting for what's going to happen in Detroit," Baldo said in prepared comments.
"To be reactive and wait - especially with market conditions and what's going on in the world is very dangerous," he said.
"We have a company to run. It's got to support our employees, our customers and the community around us.
"We have 142 families in our dealerships that depend on me to be proactive and move forward." Baldo said.
His other dealerships in Niagara Falls and North Collins are unaffected by the Clarence move, as are his franchises with Ford and GM, Baldo said.
