posted 12/05/09 05:00 AM | updated 12/05/09 08:39 AM
Views: 1127 | Comments : 10 | News, etc.

Will Ferrari and Mercedes follow BMW's lead and move off the Hill?

By lauren.p
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Ferrari and Maserati Dealership on the corner of 12th Ave. and Madison St.

Lauren is a new CHS contributor. She is a 5-year Capitol Hill resident. Lauren received her degree in journalism from Seattle University and is a writer and photographer. Welcome to the gang, lauren.p!

 

With Capitol Hill's BMW dealership closing shop and moving south to SoDo, what will be the fate of the remaining auto dealerships on Capitol Hill?

 

I asked Tino Perrina, vice president of the 12th Ave. location, if Capitol Hill's Ferrari and Maserati Dealership would follow BMW's off the Hill.

 

“It’s business as usual,” says Perrina. “We’re doing well and have no plans to move."

 

Further down Pike St., the Capitol Hill Phil Smart Mercedes-Benz branch celebrated it's golden anniversary this year. But are they switching it up any time soon?

"[Mercedes] is planning on staying right where we've been for the last 50 years," said John Ramstetter, general sales manager of the Phill Smart Mercedes-Benz Capitol Hill branch.

 

But due to the current economy, who can invest in a $300,000 ride?

 

Perrina admits to a 20% drop in Ferrari sales since the national economy collapse but said Ferrari isn’t on the brink of closure, nor is the Capitol Hill branch in a financial crisis.

"Like almost all businesses in Seattle and around the country, [Mercedes] has experienced a substantial drop in business over the last 12 months," said Ramstetter. "This is due to the economic climate." 

But, apparently, it's nothing to leave Capitol Hill over.

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mercedes
the mercedes dealership isn't going anywhere because they own that land! the actual land! not sure about the ferrari dealership, but i wouldn't be surprised if they were locked into a ridiculous no-rent situation like mercedes as well. these auto dealerships are the history of the hill!
Comment by mercedeslover
December 05, 2009
... the dream machine
As a Naval Officer in Pensacola I had the chance to drive a Ferrari convertible (dark green), long story of love and the military closet ... it was like a dream. (both)

And since the many years, I have lusted each time I walk by the C. Hill dealer. Too expensive indeed, but, a life experience to drive a Ferrari if you like cars.

Stay please oh Ferrari vendor, cheap window shopping for the masses.
Comment by Mike with curls
December 05, 2009
We're Here Too!
Just wanted to mention that Seattle Volvo is very much alive at 1120 Pike. We're in the building that was an original Packard Showroom (the cars were store at - you guessed it - the Pacakard Building. A lot of folks aren't aware but Pike/Pine was Seattle's Auto Row at one time and many of the local buildings have an automotive past. Ever wonder why there's ramps in the REI/Value Village building?
Comment by Curtis Martin
December 05, 2009
RE: We're Here Too!
Thanks for jumping in and sorry we didn't come calling your way too.

I think the next part of this story is why your business has stayed on the Hill. As the first comment notes, building ownership is a big factor. It appears that the Mercedes and Ferrari buildings are owned by concerns related to the dealership.

Volvo's building, meantime, appears to be owned by a real estate development firm, according to county records. You guys are unique! Thanks for the note.
Comment by jseattle
December 05, 2009
RE: We're Here Too!
You know what I wonder? I wonder why in the world Volvo decided to punch the tar baby that is the "New Moon"/Mormon Vampire phenomenon. "Drive a Volvo! We appear in the New Moon movie! ZOMG!"

I'm not kidding. Someone really thought that would help them sell Volvos.
Comment by Uncle Vinny
December 05, 2009
go lauren!
I'm so proud of you lauren! YAY! :) Congrats!
Comment by hayley
December 06, 2009
Used vs New sales
Does this Ferrari even sell any new ones? I think below shows under 7,000 new cars sold worldwide, so I wouldn't be surprised if they only sold a handful of pre-owned ones this year (if that).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari#Annual_sales
Comment by waifer
December 06, 2009
RE: Used vs New sales
Hey Vinny - I guess it's cause Edward drove "a Volvo" in the books (I'm sure the author was thinking a mid 80's 240). I think it's overkill as well, but it has gotten us a lot of exposure, time will tell if it's helpful or not.
Comment by Curtis Martin
December 07, 2009
No complaints
Why isn't anyone complaining about the lack of affordable cars?
Comment by --
December 07, 2009
RE: No complaints
craigslist. auto trader.
Comment by jeanineanderson
December 07, 2009