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.