Auto dealer's request granted
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Planning Board Monday took a step toward allowing a requested auto dealership on Bechtle Avenue north of the St. Paris Pike Connector.
The board voted unanimously to remove zoning code that prohibited outdoor auto sales in the CC-2A commercial shopping center district.
The request for removal of the restriction was sparked by a proposed request for a new car dealership on Bechtle Avenue.
The proposed code amendment came about after James Peifer, lawyer for North Bechtle Square I Investments, submitted a conditional use permit request for a new and used car dealership on a five-acre plot of vacant land there.
City planners realized the zoning district specifically prohibits outdoor auto sales while reviewing the request.
The dealership’s request is on hold pending the outcome of the zoning code amendment.
Any dealership would still need a conditional use permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Groupon moves to promote bigger-ticket items
Reuters
SAN FRANCISCO - Groupon Inc offered its first car coupon on Tuesday, a sign the largest online daily deal company is expanding into bigger-ticket items.
Groupon offered a $US199 deal good for $US500 off the purchase or lease of a new or pre-owned vehicle at LaFontaine Auto dealership in Detroit.
The offer, which runs through Wednesday, got off to a slow start with no vouchers bought by Tuesday afternoon, according to Bob Milner, general sales manager at LaFontaine Auto.
"I was skeptical that a big ticket item would work in that format, but they convinced me to try it," Milner told Reuters.
Mr Milner said the Groupon will cost the dealership $US400 per customer, which is about what auto dealers spend on advertising for each car they sell.
"I didn't see any downside for my business," he added. "If I can get people in the showroom buying cars this way that's great."
Groupon, with more than 80 million members, usually offers discounts on smaller items, such as restaurants and spa visits. The company typically takes 50 per cent of revenue generated by deals. Branching out into bigger purchases means that 50 per cent cut will be bigger in dollar terms.
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