Car dealer plans two dealerships

Car dealer plans two dealerships

A partial rendering of the used car dealership in Coopersville. Courtesy Betten Baker

A car dealer in the region is planning a major expansion.

Betten Baker Automotive Group said yesterday it plans to construct a new Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store and pre-owned center in Coopersville.

The new sites would create a three-dealer Betten Baker campus in Coopersville, along with the company's Chevrolet Buick dealership.

“This Coopersville expansion is truly a testament to the Betten Baker brand,” said Bryan Betten, co-owner, Betten Baker. “We look forward to announce our plans for more expansion in the near future.”

The new dealerships are expected to create 50 jobs.

The two new dealerships would bring the total number of West Michigan dealerships owned by Betten Baker to 13: Betten Baker Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC in Muskegon; Betten Baker Honda in Muskegon; Betten Baker Hyundai in Muskegon; Shoreline Motors in Muskegon; and Betten Baker Preowned in Twin Lake.

Betten Baker also recently purchased Gary Trimarco Chevrolet Buick GMC in Big Rapids and Grand Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Lowell. The company is also securing four Grand Dealerships in Lowell, Grand Rapids and Allegan.

The company now employs more than 500 people.

“Last spring, we decided to double the size of the Betten Baker company,” said Chris Baker, co-owner, Betten Baker. “And in the month of March, as our first Betten Baker location on Henry Street in Muskegon celebrates 34 years in business, we are also celebrating the addition of six more dealerships in West Michigan.”