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Scarff Auto Center in Kalispell Closing

By Beacon Staff

The owners of Scarff Auto Center in Kalispell announced plans to shut down on or around Dec. 5, citing the loss of its General Motors franchise, a poor lending environment and the staggering economy.

In 1993 Doug Scarff purchased the dealership on the south side of town, selling Pontiacs, Buicks and GMC trucks. GM announced in May it would not be renewing franchise arrangements with 1,100 dealers across the country, including three in Montana; Scarff was among them. GM is also phasing out its Pontiac line. On the dealership’s Web site, a statement by Doug and Greg Scarff said they could not secure another auto franchise.

The Scarff’s also cited “major changes in bank attitudes regarding the automobile business” to get customers financed for loans. The statement also said the recession has exhausted the dealership’s working capital, despite a reduced size.

“This path has proven necessary despite the efforts of so many dedicated and talented employees,” the Scarff statement said.