Automile stalwart closing: DeLuca dealership faced 'economic downturn,' says GM

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by Emily Canning-Dean

Reporter

Bedford -- A fixture on the Bedford Auto Mile for 48 years soon will be no more, putting 37 employees out of work.

Mike DeLuca, general manager of DeLuca Chrysler Jeep, confirmed April 8 that the dealership is closing its doors.

DeLuca, who has been on the Auto Mile since 1960, said the dealership will remain open and sell cars until April 15.

"We were just notified the other day by the owner of the dealership," DeLuca said April 8. "We are closing because of economic downturn."

DeLuca said there are 37 employees at the dealership. He said there are no other DeLuca dealerships for employees to transfer to.

DeLuca said the building is dealership-owned. His business is looking to sell the property.

Officials from the city said another dealership might purchase the property, but nothing is official yet.

Economic Development Director Mike Mallis said April 8 he just recently learned that DeLuca would be closing and that he had not determined what kind of economic effect that will have on the city.

"Of course we are sorry to see them go," Mallis said.

E-mail: ecanning@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3166