By Sterling McGinn
Chuck Renze Automotive in downtown Newberry is back to selling cars—this time used vehicles of different makes and models.
Unfounded rumors recently circulated around Newberry, suggesting the Renze Ford shop was closing. Instead, the business is growing, and they still have the same front-office staff and experienced technicians in the garage.
Chuck Renze Automotive, formerly called Chuck Renze Ford, is owned by Chuck and Carole Renze of Manistique, who purchased Rahilly Motors in 2015. They have a Manistique Ford location and also own Renze Power Sports in Newberry, across the street from the garage.
The Newberry garage was a Ford dealership from 1929 until 2024 when a few changes came down from Ford headquarters. The Newberry and Manistique businesses consolidated in March of 2024 as a result. The name of the Newberry business was changed to Renze Automotive, and the scope changed to servicing vehicles only.
New cars are sold out of Chuck Renze Ford in Manistique, which is also where warranty service work is performed.
But early this summer, Larry Studley, who has been in the car business for 44 years, was hired by the Renzes to begin selling used cars at the Newberry location. In addition to sales, Studley is also serving as the manager.
“Chuck decided to start selling used cars again. We were just servicing cars here,” Studley said. “We are just getting into the market again and getting inventory.”
Studley began his career working for Dean Arbour Ford in Pinconning, Michigan. He was employed there for 40 years before working for several years at Sarah Jones Ford in St. Ignace. This summer, he relocated to Newberry.
Studley stated that he is very conscious about the local economy and will keep the vehicles priced accordingly. Renze Automotive also is connected with several local sources for financing.
“We make sure every vehicle goes through the service department first and we take care of all the required service maintenance repairs that might be needed before we sell them,” he said. “A very extensive service inspection is done by our trained technicians before we release it to our customers.”
They will have cars for sale on the lot across the street, but that doesn’t mean they can’t sell you the car you have been looking for. “We are limited in space and limited in inventory…but if we don’t have it, we will work hard to find the vehicle that you want,” said Studley.
Renze Automotive offers pick-up and delivery of vehicles, and Studley said customers have already taken advantage of that service. He has also gone to several area homes to show potential buyers vehicles they are interested in.
The service department offers service for anything that is non-factory warranty. They provide alignments, tire sales, installments, mounting, balancing, plus heavy engine work and oil changes, etc.
“We are bound and determined to make this go in Newberry and there are no intentions of closing the doors,” said Studley. He noted that Renze Automotive is hoping to grow and is looking to add another technician.
“We want folks to give us the opportunity and have confidence that they are getting a quality used vehicle from us,” he said. “Our future is going to be in Newberry and we hope to grow along with the whole community.”
Source: mynewberrynews.com
