Florida Chevrolet Dealership Near Tampa Proves That Radio Advertising Still Works

When Bill Heard Chevrolet in Plant City Florida abruptly closed at the end of last year, it was quickly re-opened under new ownership. It’s now called Stingray Chevrolet.

Being “related” to the largest volume Chevrolet Dealer in The United States (Classic Chevrolet in Texas), it’s obvious they know what they’re doing.

I am without a doubt pro-internet, and I believe there is a huge future in it for everybody. However, I cannot help to notice that a large dealership like that with a non-existent internet presence can still sell cars.

Other than Autotrader, you will not find this dealer anywhere on the internet. I happen to live nearby, and I have been researching area car dealers for years. This past Christmas when Stingray Chevrolet opened it’s doors, I expected to see them everywhere.

I am guessing they probably only have a few internet sales managers, without a director. If they had an experienced director, their inventory would have been saturated. If they do have one, I wonder what they do all day?

Anyway, what they did was a form a brilliant relationship with Bubba The Love Sponge. It all started back in May when Stingray Chevrolet was unveiling the new Camaro.

They hired a DJ named MJ to make an appearance. Apparently MJ and Bubba the Love Sponge have some problems. Extra security had to be called in because some of Bubba’s fans were expected to show and cause problems. Respectfully, Bubba told them all to be good. But we all know anything could happen.

Anyway, this is how the relationship with Bubba started. I think Stingray Chevrolet realized how much of a following Bubba has, so it wasn’t long before Stingray Chevrolet was advertising on Bubba’s show.

The relationship grew so strong that Bubba started personally endorsing Stingray Chevrolet on the air. Soon Bubba got himself a demo from the dealership, and since then even Bubba’s good friend Hulk Hogan received one.

Currently their three strongest assets is their relationship with Bubba The Love Sponge, their location (visible from highly traveled I-4) and their inventory. If you’re looking for any Chevy Product, the odds are good that they will have any style and color you want.

Many people don’t realize it, but they do have a used car department. It’s a separate building on their lot, with about 80 used vehicles.

Basically, what I’m saying is simple. There is no single answer to selling cars, but the right relationships with the right people can make a world of difference.

I did see one thing I’m not sure I agree with, they are advertising on a website that sells marijuana growing supplies. I’ m not sure why a dealer would want to have a relationship with a company like that.

If you look at this screen shot, you will see that somebody embedded this YouTube Video from Stingray Chevrolet’s Youtube account, using tags related to Marijuana (outlined in red).

It is important to note that Stingray probably doesn’t even know about this. Anybody can embed a YouTube Video on their blog, but I’m not sure why anyone would in this case.

If it was up to me I would contact that blog owner and have them take it down asap.