After General Motors Corp. hit the breaks on the Saturn brand last year, Saturn of Gainesville finished its transformation into Summit Mitsubishi.
The new car lot, located at 3737 N Main St., was a Saturn dealership for 15 years. It began its conversion into a Mitsubishi dealership after getting its first shipment of 30 new Mitsubishi vehicles Wednesday.
Summit Mitsubishi owner Roland Daniels said it sold its last new Saturn three weeks ago.
He also said the decision was in the interest of the dealership’s employees.
“We could either close the store and put a bunch of people out of work or find another franchise to fill the void,” he said.
All 28 of Daniels’ employees at Saturn of Gainesville are staying for the switch, and it will continue to service Saturn cars.
Sabrina Case, the dealership’s marketing manager, said a temporary sign will go up at the dealership either today or Monday. The dealership ordered a permanent sign, which is expected to go up in about four to five months.
Case said Mitsubishi appeals to a diverse group of people.
“It’s a great car for students to get started with because it’s safe, has won a lot of awards and looks pretty darn hot at the same time,” Case said.
