The George Gee Cadillac/Isuzu dealership in Coeur dAlene has bought a Kia franchise there, and says it plans to expand its lot as a result.


The dealership, which has changed its name to George Gee Cadillac/Kia/Isuzu, bought the Kia franchise from Coeur dAlene Honda last month, says J.D. DeYoung, its general sales manager. It bought that dealerships Kia vehicles when it acquired the franchise, but also is receiving its own Kia vehicles from the manufacturer, he says. He declines to disclose the terms of the transaction.


The George Gee dealership, which currently employs 35 people, is hiring 15 more employees as a result of the acquisition, DeYoung says. He expects the Kia addition will boost the dealerships annual revenues by 35 percent, although he declines to disclose exact figures.


The dealership hasnt set a timetable for the planned expansion of its lot, at 317 W. Dalton, he says.


The acquisition of the Kia franchise will enable George Gee to offer products spanning a wider price range, he says.


Its a good line with great warranties, DeYoung says. Its also nice to have a mid-line franchise with the Cadillac store.


George Gee Automotive Group, of Liberty Lake, sold its Kia franchise to Hallmark Hyundai, of Spokane Valley, in 1999. The following year, Hallmark sold the franchise to Wenatchee Valleys Truck & Auto Outlet, which renamed the dealership Spokane Kia.


Liberty Lake auto dealer George Gee headed a company that bought the Coeur dAlene Cadillac/Isuzu dealership in 2004.