Leroy Burnell The Post and Courier
North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey welcomed Palmetto, noting the city is a prime spot for auto stores. “North Charleston is the No. 1 retail city in South Carolina,” he said. “The area is very hot for retail sales.” Summey said, “It is indeed a privilege to see the Eubank family invest in North Charleston (and) become a part of our home. I think Mama’s represents an icon in the whole area.” Libby Armstrong, also known as “Mama,” cut the ceremonial ribbon for the used-car outlet.
“Come on down and buy one of my fishing cars,” she said, trotting out one of the familiar lines from her TV commercials. Word that Sonic Automotive was looking to sell the North Charleston locations had been public for more than a year. Two other unnamed ventures had sought to buy the sites but couldn’t work out deals. Then Palmetto stepped in. Eubank said he is pleased with the Palmetto move because it leaves the company “having an import brand the quality of Hyundai, along with the No.
1 warranty in the industry.” Eubank said the businesses have gotten off to good starts. In just two months, sales at the Hyundai store tripled to 120 a month from 40. Combined, the stores are selling “a good 200 (cars) a month.” The Hyundai location has a showroom, 20-bay service center shared with Mama’s, parts department and customer service area. John Fratianni, business management manager with Hyundai Motor America in Austell, Ga., said Palmetto was a good choice to take over the franchise.
“The thing is, not everybody is going to be a Hyundai dealer,” he said. “The Eubank family has a good reputation, integrity. Look at all the things they have done.” The side-by-side dealerships combined will have 60 employees. Palmetto kept pretty much all of the nonsales staff. “We try to run this dealership differently,” said Bill Walker, general manager, who moved from the Palmetto Ford Lincoln-Mercury locale in Mount Pleasant. “They treat employees like family,” he said.