CHANGING DRIVERS

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A major auto dealership in Seymour has a new owner.

The former Bryan Bowman Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealership at 1873 E. Tipton St. is now being operated by Bob Poynter.

Poynter has been business in the city for 36 years, selling new and used vehicles for General Motors and Ford. He also owns the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Hyundai dealership in Columbus and a used-vehicle dealership in Morgantown.

Poynter is heavily involved in the community, supporting and investing in many local nonprofit organizations and causes.

Tony Starkey, marketing and customer service manager for Poynter’s, said everyone is excited about the announcement.

“We plan on rolling out marketing soon,” he said. “We’re just waiting on the website to go live.”

A grand-reopening and sales event is being planned for late September or early October, he added.

Also, Bowman’s popular annual Jeep Rally will continue under the Poynter name, Starkey said.

Poynter said his new customers won’t experience any changes in their service and can expect to be treated like family.

“Our customers come first, and we will do our best to make them satisfied and give them the best experience possible,” he said. “With the cost of vehicles today, customers expect and deserve world class service.”

The deal came to fruition after Bowman decided he wanted to retire so he could spend more time on the auto racing circuit with his son, Adam.

Poynter said he’s known Bowman for a long time and felt the Chrysler brand is “up and coming” and the name would be a great addition to the Poynter auto group.

“We signed the papers with Brian last Thursday,” Poynter said.

The deal adds more than 140 vehicles to Poynter’s available on lot inventory, with a goal of 300, Starkey added.

“We’re going to double the inventory,” he said.

There are no plans to change staff at the Chrysler dealership, Starkey added.

And yes, free car washes for those customers who have purchased vehicles at Bowman’s will continue to be honored for now. But Starkey said there may be changes to upgrade and improve the car wash in the future.

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