UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP … The former McNeill Chevrolet dealership, seen here, is now Ballas Chevrolet after being acquired by Ballas Buick GMC, owned by Marianne Ballas, and operated by her and her family.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
McNeill Chevrolet in Swanton is now Ballas Chevrolet after being acquired by Marianne Ballas’ Ballas Buick-GMC.
“The acquisition reflects Ballas Buick-GMS’s ongoing commitment to growth while staying true to its values,” a release from the dealership states.
“Owned by Marianne Ballas and operated by her and her family, the Ballas organization has earned a strong reputation for excellence in service, community involvement, and integrity.”
According to a representative from Ballas, nothing is changing at the dealership, including the staff. The dealership was originally founded in 1930 as Buckeye Chevrolet by Richard Harding before being taken over by Andrew McNeill, according to the McNeill Chevrolet website.
Ballas Buick-GMC, located in Toledo, was opened in 1970 according to its website, giving Ballas Chevrolet a total of 150 years’ worth of heritage in northwest Ohio.
Ballas Buick-GMC has received the General Motors “Mark of Excellence” award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, while McNeill Chevrolet also earned it multiple times, including in 2011.
“We’re honored to bring the Ballas name to Swanton,” Marianne Ballas said in the release. “McNeill Chevrolet has been a respected part of the community, and we’re excited to build on that legacy by delivering the same customer-first approach that has defined Ballas for generations.”
The release states that the Swanton dealership will now be able to utilize “one of the region’s largest General Motors parts departments,” which will provide “faster service, a wider selection of genuine GM parts, and greater support for Swanton’s automotive needs.”
A Ballas representative said the Swanton dealership will maintain its involvement in the community, which has included Swanton Parks and Recreation, the Swanton Public Library, Swanton Food Pantry, Swanton Rotary, Faith Lutheran Church, the Church of the Nazarene, Relay for Life, Coats for Kids, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, Cell Phones for Soldiers, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.