After 86 years serving the Tiffin community, Coppus Motors is transforming into a destination dealership for Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler customers.
John Coppus, third-generation owner of Coppus Motors, said the dealership is undergoing a substantial expansion/renovation to update the facility and give it a "completely new look."
While Coppus Motors has been serving the community for more than 85 years, Coppus said the company has been at its current location, 2190 W. Market St., since 1988. The building and surrounding property "needed attention," he said, to give them a more modern and appealing look for customers and employees. The project is a significant undertaking, and is a "tremendous investment" for Coppus Motors, he said.
Article Photos
This is a rendering of how Coppus Motors Inc. is to look when the expansion and renovation is complete this spring.
Coppus said with the end of the recession and the introduction of "new, fantastic products" from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Mercedes, the future looked positive and the timing was right to undertake the project. Planning for the renovation has been in the works for about three years, Coppus said.
The project, Coppus said, entails a 3,500-square-foot addition to the Coppus Motors building and an approximately 11,000-square-foot expansion of the lot area. The building expansion, he said, allows for comprehensive renovations in each department of the dealership, including remodeled waiting areas and office spaces, as well as an expanded parts departments.
The dealership as a whole is striving to achieve a more modern, inviting and attractive look that preserves the atmosphere of a small-town location, he said.
When the project is completed, Coppus said, Coppus Motors will feature two state-of-the-art indoor showrooms, each designed as unique showcases for Mercedes and Chrysler products.
In addition, the exterior of the building is to undergo a complete transformation, allowing the customer a glimpse of the "destination dealership" inside.
The transformation already is under way, Coppus said, and a projected completion date is spring of this year.
One of Coppus Motor's goals through the project, he said, is to use as many local contractors as possible for the variety of work required to complete the plans. Clouse Construction, he said, is the general contractor, and other local companies also have been contracted.
Coppus said he hopes the expansion will allow for the addition of sales and/or service jobs after the project is completed.
As an established Tiffin company, as well as the oldest Mercedes-Benz dealership in the United States, Coppus Motors' transformation not only will allow the dealership to continue providing exceptional products and service to its customers, but will allow the dealership to beautifully showcase the vehicles it offers.
"The future is positive," Coppus said. "Coppus Motors remains committed to providing the best buying and service experience for its customers."
