Ken Elhart's eyes still light up when he recalls the first new car he sold - a 1950 Ford Crestline, a two-tone, brown colored, chrome-plated beauty. Back then some models of Fords sold for around $1,000 new and it was no curiosity for a Holland area automobile buyer to count out carefully hoarded green  backs and drive off the lot in a fully paid-for new vehicle. Now nearly a half century later technological change has wrought an entirely new automobile market and the dealership Elhart founded sells an amazing 3,000 new and used cars annually.
  Born in Holland, Elhart had moved at the age of three with his family back to his mother's homestead north of Lowell when his father lost his job as a traveling salesman to the effects of the Depression. He grew up amid the hard lonely work on the farm and graduated from Lowell High School. Following the war his father, Ted Elhart, decided the family would return to Holland.
  Ken Elhart was the first to make the move, taking a job at Vrieling Motor Sales, the Ford agency at 159 River Avenue, in January 1948. His original responsibilities were to pick up and deliver parts for customers. The following year R.E. Barber purchased the agency. From 1950-1953 Elhart took time off from his automotive career to serve a stint in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War. Returning to R.E. Barber Ford, Elhart worked his way up to become sales manager from 1955 to 1965.
  By 1965 the time had come to strike out and establish his own dealership. There were some Ford dealerships available but none in the Holland area and that is where he wanted to stay and raise his family. Then in March of that year when the Mutual Pontiac and GMC truck dealership at 150 E 8th Street became available Elhart opted to make a "big emotional jump" from Ford to Pontiac. The Elharts sold their home to use the equity to finance the purchase of the dealership and he, wife Barbara and sons Wayne and Jeff moved to a rental unit.
  That risk paid off thanks in part to community support and the backing of local businessmen who wanted to see Elhart succeed. Elhart and his eight employees were soon selling scores of GMC trucks and the popular high performance wide track Pontiac GTOs. Four years later Elhart added the American Motors franchise to his dealerships and transport trucks began unloading AMC Hornets and later Gremlins at the 8th Street sales lot.
  On January 1, 1970, Elhart moved to a new facility, formerly a crop field on Chicago Drive. Their firm's 20 employees began showing customers shiny new Pontiac Catalinas and Bonnevilles. That fall Elhart hired a used car manager and began concentrating on the sale of used cars of all makes and that evolved into a major aspect of the business.
  In 1971 Elhart became one of the first in the area to sell van conversion models with customer interiors. But 1971 also brought a long GMC strike that crippled production and left Elhart facing the huge debt load of his new building with cars unavailable. The dealership survived but that experience convinced Elhart of the need to diversify further. In 1975 he added the Jeep franchise to his business.
  Three years later came a 7,000 square foot expansion to the body shop and service department, which then numbered 21 service stalls and 11 body shop stalls. The Elhart work force had climbed to 35 employees.
  The decade of the 1980s saw the second generation of Elharts enter the business full time. As teenagers Wayne and Jeff had worked for their father, mowing the lawn and washing cars. Following their graduation from Holland High School in 1972 and 1976 respectively, college degrees and the experience of working elsewhere, they returned to Holland. In 1985, Jeff became manager of the newly acquired Elhart Dodge franchise and Wayne the manager of Elhart Pontiac GMC Jeep-Eagle.
  In the spring of 1987 Elhart moved into another new facility adjacent the lot Chicago Drive. Two years later a 10 year campaign to secure the Nissan franchise finally paid off and with the completion of a $350,000 expansion scores of Maximas and Sentras found eager buyers.
  In 1990 Jeff and Wayne took over as presidents and general managers of Elhart Dodge Nissan and Elhart Pontiac GMC Jeep-Eagle. By 1996 total employment numbered 124. Ken Elhart continues to serve the firm he started in a consulting capacity, expecially in long range planning. Proud of the employees, past and present, and the family's many accomplishments, he is fortunate enough to be able to say that "if he had his life to live over he would do the same thing."
 
 Wayne Elhart
 Jeff Elhart
 President President
 Elhart GMC
 Elhart Nissan Hyundai
 www.elhartpontiac.com www.elhartnissanhyundai.com

Hear What Our Customers Have to Say

"They were not able"

They were not able to install a rear light due to corrosion. Hope to fix it next time.

How we resolved: We ordered a new light assembly and will replace it when it is convenient for her to come in.

8.6.2010 Wrote because of service department,

"Elhart has been pleasurable since I started doing business with them in 2003"

My experience at Elhart has been pleasurable since I started doing business with them in 2003. This also includes
the service department. Thanks.

Elhart Nissan Hyundai Customer July 26, 2010,

"Technician came into waiting room!"

The technician came into the waiting room and
explained everything to me, as well as gave me a list of
approved gasoline suppliers for my car. He took the
time to explain everything to me, and the manager
followed up to ensure everything was satisfactory. One
of the best service visits I have ever had! Thank you!

7.20.10 Wrote because of service received from GMC Service Advisor Lisa Campa and ASE Certified GMC Technician Bruce Ruffing ,

"GREAT JOB!"

You all do a Great Job when The Brooks comes in for a
oil change and a check up. Great Job Guys.

7.20.10 Wrote because of help received from GMC Service Advisor Lisa Campa and Technician Matt Wagner,

"AWESOME SERVICE!!"

AWESOME Service!!! Best Service I have ever received
from ANY dealer!!! Great job Elhart!!!

7.9.10 Wrote because of help received from GMC Service Advisor Lisa Campa and GMC Technician Keav Phan,

"I couldn't/can't believe that!!"

Some friends had advised me to get my oil changed around 3000 miles even though I was only at 20%, just because it is a new vehicle. The service tech. told me it wasn't necessary and explained why, and said they would do it if I still wanted. I couldn't/can't believe that someone actually advised me to save money! I am very impressed with the honesty at Elhart. This is definitely the first time I have experienced this in the car business. VERY impressed! Thank You

7.2.10 Wrote because of help from GMC Service Technician Matt Wagner,

"This is my THIRD purchase"

My salesman (Doug W.) is the very best. This is my third purchase through him, I keep coming back due to him and his no pressure approach. I have a huge amount of respect for the way I was dealt with by Doug and the entire process was a great experience. I appreciate Doug and will continue to call upon him when in the market for a new car for my wife in the future. Thank You Doug.....

6/30/10 Wrote becasue of help with GMC New Salesman Doug Wiler,

"I appreciate how nice and not pushy"

I am enjoying my Subaru. I appreciate how nice and not pushy everyone at Elhart was. Not every place can say.

6/29/10 Wrote because of help from Victor Rivera at Elhart GMC,

"We LOVE our new car"

We purchased a gray/pewter colored 2007 Saturn Aura XE from you guys yesterday. Brian Caputo helped us. We LOVE our new car, and are so happy with the GREAT service we received! Brian was very helpful, friendly, honest, and up front about everything! It's so refreshing to deal with a car salesman that's not full of hot air! We've had very bad experiences in the passed with car salesmen from other auto dealers, so were leery to deal with a car salesman again? Brian was so great to deal with, and made us feel relaxed, and at ease with the whole car buying process. I can't say enough about Brian Caputo! We will definitely send anybody looking for a car to Elhart GMC in Holland MI! Thanks again for such a great purchasing experience!

6/29/10 Wrote because of help from Brian Caupto from Elhart GMC,

" I had a fantastic experience "

I just wanted to let you know that I had a fantastic experience with Paul and your service department this week. Very organized, professional and customer service oriented. 

6/23/10 Wrote because of help from Paul Voss at Elhart Nissan Hyundai,

"Took time to ask how my wife was doing."

Took time to ask how my wife was doing- and he remembered that we were dealing with health issues.  Much appreciated.

6/21/10 Wrote because of help from Duane Scholten,

"Went above and beyond"

Went above and beyond even after the sale to make sure we were pleased.

6/20/10 Wrote because of help from Jeff Schaap ,

"Mark rocks!"

Mark rocks! :-) He sold me my Nissan Rogue. Thanks Mark!

6/19/10 Wrote because of help from Mark Bork,

"The dealership and the service I received was the deciding factor"

I drove home my new Elantra yesterday. Duane Scholten was very helpful with everything. Tait was also helpful with some of my questions. I was looking at several comparable vehicles that I had researched online. The Elantra is a quality ride, but the dealership and the service I received was the deciding factor.

5/26/10. Wrote because of help from Sls person Duayne Scholten and his manager Tait Fernstra from Elhart Imports,

"Your actions speak volumes about the integrity of your organization. Again thank you"

"Enclosed please find copies of the repair bill on the 2002 Tahoe we recently purchased from you on 4/22/10. I enclosed a copy of the bill of sale as well.  As I explained over the phone there was no feasible way we could get the vehicle down to you in a timely manner prior to leaving for a trip. The problem was discovered today after I had the vehicle examined and we are leaving Sunday. I appreciate greatly your willingness to stand behind your 30-day warranty. Your actions speak volumes about the integrity of your organization.
Again thank you! Any questions please contact me at the numbers you have on file."

5/24/2010. Wrote because of the help they received from Jim DeJonge, Pre-owned Sls regarding our GMC 30-day guaranteed,

"Most exceptionally competent, customer-focused, civilized auto service"

"From start to finish this was the most exceptionally competent, customer-focused, civilized auto service I've ever experienced!"

C. Kleinhuizen. Taken from a Service Postcard. ,

"Great people to work with, great service."

Satisfied with the whole process. The late hours really helped with my schedule. Great people to work with, great service.

From the Manufacturer's Survey,

"Thank you so much for being so great at what you do!"

I received excellent service at Elhart. I went to a different shop for the same repair and was charged five hundred more and the repair was done incorrectly. I came to Elhart and now the vehicle runs great. Thank you so much for being so great at what you do!

Wrote because of the help she received from employee...Jon Shannon (Service Advisor),

"You were very helpful with our purchase"

You were very helpful with our purchase; help that my wife and I greatly appreciate. If I am ever in the market for a different vehicle I will certainly come to Elhart!

Wrote because of help from employees...Dave Vogelzang, Jim DeJonge, and Brian Caputo at Elhart GMC,

Contact Information

Elhart Automotive Campus

822 and 870 Chicago Drive

Holland, MI 49423
sales Sales:
800-448-4227
service Service:
888-213-3313