USED-CAR DEALERSHIP OPENS IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

A new used-car dealership has opened in Cape Girardeau.

"We'll be offering a variety of pre-owned vehicles cars, trucks and vans," said Mike Mathes of the business, Cape Girardeau Motors Inc., 1754 Independence.

Mathes and Richard Kirkpatrick are owners of the company.

"We'll keep an inventory of about 30 vehicles," said Mathes, who has nine years experience in auto sales and management, six of them in Cape Girardeau. He was named auto salesman of the year six times with a local firm.

"These will be late-model vehicles, most with warranties," Mathes said, explaining that on-lot financing is available.

Mathes, a native of the Ironton area, and Kirkpatrick, a native of the Charleston area, have been in Cape Girardeau six years.

"Richard has nine years in the business," said Mathes. "We offer a combined total of more than 18 years experience in buying and selling vehicles."

Mathes and Kirkpatrick purchased the former Sam's Auto Sales facility and remodeled the building.

Current employment at the business is four. Besides Mathes and Kirkpatrick, Sherie Honeyman serves as a sales person and helps in the financial department.

Also on staff is a "vehicle detail" specialist.