The days are numbered at Summit Ford in Silverthorne.
A statement from the dealership owner, Teton Auto Group, of Idaho, says the sales office is already closed. Shutting down soon is the garage. Mechanics are working only on cars with previous appointments.
“Summit Ford has faced a number of market-based challenges over the years,” Crystal Zmak, chief operating officer of Teton Auto Group, tells Krystal 93 in a statement. “We’ve worked hard to support this location and team, and this decision was hard to accept. Our focus now is ensuring a smooth and respectful transition for our employees and customers.”
This announcement comes with little warning for customers, but Summit Ford ownership says they saw it coming.
First, Ford Motor Company is shrinking its dealership network. This “strategic move is part of Ford’s broader efforts to align its retail presence with long-term market performance goals,” the statement continues.
This leads to the second reason – Summit is not a friendly place for traditional car dealers. Summit Ford says it was losing customers to neighboring areas where taxes are friendlier. Summit’s high tax rate was “making it difficult for local dealerships to remain competitive over time.”
“This store has been part of our group and our story, and we’re proud of the people who worked here,” Mario Hernandez, CEO of Teton Auto Group, says. “Even though the time has come to close this chapter, we’re committed to doing right by our team and to honoring the relationships built in this community.”