After months of preparation and wading through the legal and concession processes, the long awaited vision of Alexandria auto dealer Steve Niswander became a reality as Alexandria Chevy opened its doors recently.

Three years ago Alexandria Buick Pontiac GMC began doing business in the city at 499 South Pickett Street at the corner of Pickett Street and Edsall Road. "Being the new guy in town presented challenges," said Niswander, "but with much to overcome and after a tough start, by 2006 the dealership and its organization rose to the top."

The dealership claimed the number one spot for sales in the Washington area for a General Motors Buick Pontiac franchise. Last year, the dealership claimed the top spot in sales in the Washington area for the year with a sales increase of 58 percent over the previous year.

In December, Niswander picked up his fourth GM franchise and opened the doors for business for Saturn of Alexandria; previously owned by the Lindsay organization. So far so good for the Saturn franchise as the organization has claimed the top spot in sales at least twice this year.

Now with a great first three months of business, it’s off to the races with Chevrolet.

To better serve his customers, Mr. Niswander has made improvements to the service departments making the overall experience of his customer’s one to brag about.

“Service is our greatest area of focus," Niswander said. "It is one thing to be good in sales, but we want our customer’s experience after the sale to be even better. I truly believe that we are the best place in the area to buy a new vehicle.”

Niswander strongly believes in the GM brand and has many reasons to feel that way. Niswander claims that GM has more vehicles that get over 30 MPG than any other manufacturer. In 2007, of 84 factories in North and South America, GM held the top three spots for quality. GM also cut its prices across the board in 2006 making their models more affordable.

“As if quality, value and great economy wasn’t enough, GM also features OnStar® and is the only manufacturer to have it. And now with the introduction of the Hybrids and our E85 Ethanol vehicles, GM has earned back the trust of the public...I have a lot of personal pride in our products.”  

But it doesn’t stop with good products and service for this organization. Niswander believes that he has assembled a top notch management team and feels that the organizations’ involvement with the local community is a big part of their success.

 “I believe that Steve has proven to our local community that we are serious about doing long-term business here and giving back to the community at the same time; it’s a two-way street,” said John Herrity, director of business development.

Herrity works on multiple projects on behalf of the organization and serves on the Board of Directors for the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club; the Alexandria Aces Collegiate Summer Baseball team; the YMCA of Alexandria and the Advisory Council for the Campagna Center. Herrity is also involved with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce supporting multiple programs throughout the year.

Niswander supports the local organizations such as the Alexandria Police Association Send-a-Kid-to-Camp Program; the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club, Hopkins Breast Cancer Foundation; The Women’s Center of Alexandria; Rotary Club of Alexandria; the NAACP Alexandria Branch and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra; The Alexandria YMCA; the Mayors Annual Unity Breakfast, and supporters of T.C. Williams High School.