Lithia Motors Inc., of Medford, Ore., plans to buy Spokane-based Sutherland Motors Ltd., a Mercedes-Benz dealer located downtown, says Sutherlands Operations Manager Tom Grainger.


Its a certainty that its happening, as told to us by our owner, he says, referring to Jerry Altig, Sutherlands owner and general manager. Any of the details, including the transfer date, have not been released.


Grainger declined to provide further details. Altig couldnt be reached for comment.


Dan Retzlaff, Lithias Medford-based director of investor relations, declined to comment on the possible acquisition, citing a company policy not to comment until a transaction closes.


Altig, who has been general manager of Sutherland since 1986, bought the dealership from Bill Sutherland in 1989, with partner Jack Lynch. Altig bought Lynchs interest in Sutherland in 2000. Sutherland sells Mercedes Benz automobiles and is located at 1027 W. Third.


Lithia, a publicly traded company, bought Spokanes Camp Automotive Inc. in 1998 and operates two dealerships here. Those include Camp Imports, at 101 E. Montgomery, which sells BMW, Volvo, and Subaru vehicles, and Camp Chevrolet Cadillac, at 215 E. Montgomery, which sells those two automakers vehicles.