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Major Auto Dealer Shuts Down

COLUMBUS, GA-Bill Heard Enterprises simultaneously closes 13 lots across the country.

By Carl Cronan | Updated on September 25, 2008

COLUMBUS, GA-Bill Heard Enterprises Inc., a locally based auto dealership chain with 13 locations stretching from Nevada to Florida, closed all of its sites simultaneously this week. The company issued a statement that several factors led to the chain’s demise, including higher fuel prices, the lagging economy and excess inventory of heavy gas-guzzling trucks and sport utility vehicles.

One other factor affecting Bill Heard, which has a car sales history dating back to 1919, is similar to that associated with housing sales lately: bad loans. The company reportedly had its credit cut by GMAC this summer, during which time its financial condition began to slip, according to industry observers.

A telephone message left by GlobeSt.com with a receptionist at Bill Heard’s Columbus headquarters was not returned Thursday. Uncertain at this point is whether another auto dealer will take over Bill Heard’s properties or if they will be put up for sale. Those properties include five dealerships in Georgia; two each in Florida, Texas and Nevada; and one each in Alabama and Tennessee.

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