Hanson Motors to halt VW sales

ROLF BOONE | Staff writer • Published January 17, 2013

  • 0 comments

Hanson Motors of the Olympia Auto Mall will stop selling new Volkswagens Jan. 31 after 39 years as a Volkswagen dealership, according to an announcement sent to Hanson customers this week.

The announcement was forwarded to The Olympian Wednesday afternoon.

“We apologize for the inconvenience this will no doubt cause you with regard to seeking warranty service on your Volkswagen,” the announcement states.

It goes on to say that Hanson Motors will continue to sell and service used Volkswagens, as well as sell and service new Kia and Subaru vehicles.

Tacoma attorney Ron Coleman, who spoke for Hanson Motors on Wednesday, said Volkswagen of America decided to go in a different direction.

“(Owner) Vince Hanson cares about his customers,” Coleman said. “Sometimes things happen in business that are out of your control.”

He added that it was an unfortunate situation for those who need warranty service, but “nobody would like to avoid that more than Hanson,” he said.

Hanson Motors’ statement went on to say that they “do not presently know of any dealer in Thurston County who will be selling new Volkswagens.”

Coleman added that the next closest new Volkswagen dealer is in Tacoma.

It wasn’t clear Wednesday how many Hanson employees might be affected by the change in business.

“I know Vince is extremely committed to his employees, and he was doing everything he could to not affect his employees,” Coleman said.

Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403 rboone@theolympian.com theolympian.com/bizblog @rolf_boone

Similar stories:

  • Sales surge puts GM ahead of Volkswagen

  • Saturday mail delivery set to end

  • Microsoft names first woman to finance post; shows interest in Nook

  • Women workers at Florida prison win class-action status in sexual harassment case

  • Promotions announced at Great Car Care

COMMENTS Community Publishing Guidelines

Join the Reader Network

Do you want The Olympian to keep you in mind when we canvass the community for opinions?

Click here and sign up with our Reader Network to offer your view.