Evergreen car dealership closing

After 13 years in Evergreen, Kari Dodge is closing its doors.

The last day for the vehicle dealership will be sometime between Jan. 31 and Feb. 15, according to Elijah Arnlund, general sales manager at Kari Hyundai and son of Bert Arnlund, owner of both businesses.

The Hyundai dealership next to Kmart will remain open, Elijah Arnlund said.

It was a pleasure serving the community, he said. “Between the economic times and lack of sales, we’re no longer able to support that store.”

He said Kari Dodge is being sold to Don K Chevrolet/Subaru of Whitefish. Don Kaltschmidt, owner of Don K, declined to comment Tuesday.

Kari Dodge currently has 70 new vehicles and 110 used vehicles, according to Kari Dodge Manager Ron Randall.

Whatever new Dodge vehicles remain after the Evergreen site closes will be transferred to the Whitefish dealership, while the used vehicles will go to the Hyundai store, he said.

Kari Dodge currently has around 25 employees. Some of these will be retained by the Hyundai store, Elijah Arnlund said. He hopes Don K also will hire some.

A going-out-of-business sale started today. New vehicles are marked down up to 33 percent while used vehicles are thousands off, Elijah said.

“There are going to be some smokin’ deals there,” he said.

Kari Dodge is offering zero percent financing on new vehicles for a term of up to 72 months with approved credit.

Elijah noted that Kari Dodge contributed to the community in various ways over the years, giving as an example the $4,000 donated for the purchase of a track and football bleachers at Bigfork High School.

Kari Dodge is located at 1177 U.S. 2 E.

Before Arnlund bought the Evergreen dealership in 1998, it was known as Ponderosa Motors.

Reporter Caleb Soptelean may be reached at 758-4483 or by e-mail at csoptelean@dailyinterlake.com.