Summerside Chrysler embraces warm atmosphere, friendly service

A small boy chases his older sisters around a yellow Challenger SRT Hellcat sitting in the middle of the showroom before joining his mother at the ice cream machine, squeezing an extra drop of chocolate sauce onto his sundae.

The intimidation of car shopping has been eliminated at Summerside Chrysler Dodge Ltd., shown on the smiles spread across the faces of customers and staff on a sunny Saturday morning as old friends chat with each other near the coffee and homemade cookies.

Sales manager Brody Ellis sports the biggest smile in the room.

“We try to be as welcoming and friendly as possible. We try to put people at ease.”

The atmosphere clearly works, as numerous customers check out the long line of Challengers, Chargers, Rams, and Wranglers on the lot.

“Buying a car isn’t like buying a carton of milk,” Ellis said. “It’s a big investment, so we try to make sure it’s the right vehicle they’re looking for. Our product line allows us to do that.”

There’s a unique comfortability, but an intense excitement with the staff who love big engines and more horsepower.

Ellis’ eyes gleam as he retells the unveiling of the SRT Demon announced at the New York auto show earlier in the month, a street legal drag car with an unprecedented 840 horsepower, 6.2 litre supercharged Hemi that roars to life as it completes a quarter mile in 6.5 seconds. “Leave the drag strip and go to the McDonalds drive through.” Ellis laughed. “It’s really neat. I’m super excited. There are 300 coming to Canada, and we’re hopeful to get one here.”

The Jeep brand is as strong as ever, and the redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass with a Trailhawk trim has caught the attention of off-road enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Islanders know trucks, and that’s why Rams rule the road. May is the month of the Ram, Ellis said, which means incredible savings of 25 per cent off all 2017 Ram 1500s, from entry level to Longhorn.

“In some trucks that means $18,000 off. It’s been a busy month.”

The new Power Wagon Ram 2500 OAM is a factory truck ready to hit the off-roads in P.E.I., complete with sway bar disconnect, winch, large tries, skid plates, a heavy-duty chassis, and a 6.4 litre gas Hemi engine.

Rams are big sellers with their exceptional fuel economy and cabin comfort, becoming more practical that trucks in the past, Ellis said.

“A lot more people are using them now, and with rebates and incentives it’s a lot easier to get people into a Dodge Ram.” And with an ice cream machine, fresh coffee and friendly staff, Summerside Chrysler Dodge will make anyone feel comfortable and welcomed.

“Come in, take a seat and chat with someone. Check out the Hellcat. There’s always something a little different.”