Florida Auto Veteran Revives Bankrupt Kentucky Dealership with Fresh Vision & Big Promises
A well-known Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Owensboro, Kentucky, is starting a fresh chapter after being sold in a bankruptcy auction. The dealership, previously part of Davis Auto Group, is now owned by a new team led by local auto experts Amber Beehn, Dr. Suzanne Rashidian, and Florida-based businessman David Vatland. The new owners are promising not just a name change, but also big improvements in how the dealership runs, focusing heavily on better customer service and employee care.
A Fresh Start: New Owners Step In
On March 4, 2025, Beehn, Rashidian, and Vatland successfully bought the struggling dealership for about $7.65 million during a court-supervised auction. However, before the deal is fully closed, it needs final approval from the US Bankruptcy Court and Stellantis (the parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram).
Once approved, the dealership will keep operating from its current location but will be rebranded as Vass Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Along with the new name, the sale includes everything the dealership needs to keep running—like vehicle inventory, spare parts, intellectual property, and the rights to the dealership’s lease.
The new owners describe this takeover as “a dream come true”, with plans to bring positive changes for both customers and employees.
Florida Business Influence: Transparency First
One of the new owners, David Vatland, brings more than 30 years of experience in the auto industry, with several successful dealerships in Vero Beach, Florida. Vatland believes it’s time to modernize how things work in Kentucky, taking ideas that have already worked well in Florida.
He emphasizes that the key is to make car buying easier and more transparent. “The car business is always about tweaking processes and procedures,” Vatland said. His goal is to remove the old, complicated methods and offer a smoother, more honest buying experience for customers.
This is particularly good news for Florida audiences, who are used to better, customer-focused car buying experiences. Vatland’s leadership shows how effective business practices from Florida’s competitive market are now spreading to Kentucky, aiming to improve the overall dealership experience nationwide.
What’s Happening with the Employees?
The ownership change doesn’t just affect cars; it’s also about people. Because of how the sale was structured, all current employees will technically be released from their positions under Davis Auto Group.
However, the new owners have made it clear that they intend to rehire the entire staff. Amber Beehn, who has over 20 years of experience in the auto industry, said, “There’s a sense of relief among the staff—they see light at the end of the tunnel.”
The new management team wants to create a positive, supportive work environment. They believe that valuing employees is the key to great customer service. Customers are more likely to have a good experience when employees are happy, well-trained, and treated fairly.
Local Community Reactions: Hope with a Bit of Doubt
People in Owensboro have mixed feelings about the dealership’s fresh start. Many are hopeful and see the new ownership as a chance for improvement. But some community members are still cautious because of past problems. Under Davis Auto Group’s ownership, there were concerns about poor management and questionable business practices.
These concerns highlight just how important it is for the new owners to follow through on their promises. The local community is watching closely to see if this new management truly delivers a better experience.
A Sign of Bigger Changes in the Auto Industry
The story of this Kentucky dealership isn’t just local news—it reflects a bigger shift happening across the auto industry. More dealerships are moving away from old-fashioned practices and focusing on customer satisfaction, transparency, and employee well-being.
For Florida residents and auto business owners, this story shows how successful strategies used in one market can inspire improvements elsewhere. It also highlights the importance of staying adaptable and meeting modern customer expectations.
As Vass Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram gets ready to open its new chapter, all eyes will be on how the changes impact both customers and employees. If successful, this could set an example for dealerships across the country.
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