You can buy a new Ford or Chevrolet in Innisfail, but if you want a Chrysler product you have to drive elsewhere — at least until next spring.
That’s when Crawford Motors is expected to open on the north end of town, just west of Hwy 2.
Work on the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram dealership’s 29,500-square-foot building is well underway, with the design to include a showroom and 13 service bays — among them drive-through service bays and a quick-lube bay.
Mark Crawford, who lives just outside Innisfail, will be dealer principal.
“I do have a soft spot in my heart for Chrysler,” said Crawford, a longtime entrepreneur who has been active in several industries.
“There hasn’t been a Chrysler dealer in Innisfail since 1990. It’s something that we’ve been missing for a long time.”
Crawford expects residents of the town and surrounding area to welcome another addition to the local new vehicle sector, which currently consists of Fourlane Ford and Palliser Chevrolet.
“I think even the other dealers don’t mind a little competition, because it drives more people into the area.”
Crawford said it took him about a year to secure the Chrysler dealership. Although it’ll be the first time he’s operated in the auto industry, he’ll have seasoned support from a minor partner in the business: Cam Clark.
Clark owns several Ford dealerships, including at Red Deer, Olds, Airdrie and North Vancouver.
Crawford hopes to have Crawford Motors up and running by the end of March. He anticipates employing a staff of about 50.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com