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Ernie Haire Ford Shuts 1 Lot

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By KENNETH KNIGHT

kknight@tampatrib.com

Published: January 14, 2009

NORTH TAMPA - Ernie Haire Ford cleared the lot at its used car location on East Bearss Avenue last week and moved the vehicles to the dealership on North Florida Avenue.

Haire's general manager, Greg Balasco, said he shut down the Ernie Haire Used Car Automall, 801 E. Bearss Ave., on Jan. 5. to reduce expenses.

"We are consolidating as most dealers are," Balasco said.

He hopes closing the Bearss Avenue store will be a temporary business decision.

Customers will find the entire inventory of cars and trucks from the Bearss Avenue location at the dealership's main lot, 9545 N. Florida Ave.

"We have the same sales and services at the Florida Avenue store," Balasco said. "We will be here to serve our customers who purchased a vehicle at the Bearss and Nebraska store."

Ernie Haire Ford, a Tampa-based auto dealer, filed for bankruptcy protection in November after nearly a half-century of business.

Balasco said last week he is optimistic about the company's future.

"We are trying to get healthy and celebrate our 38th year in business," he said.

Recent new vehicle sales at the dealership, Balasco said, give him reason to be positive.

"We were second in the zone for new Ford sales and 10th in the state," Balasco said.

Reporter Kenneth Knight can be reached at (813) 865-4842.

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