Billion rolls into Sioux City
Posted: Sunday, October 05, 2008
David Billion stands in the lot of the newest Billion Kia along Singing Hills Boulevard. He says Sioux City is a great market. (Staff photo by Jerry Mennenga)
SIOUX CITY -- Billion Automotive, which bills itself as South Dakota's largest new car dealer, formally entered the Sioux City market for the first time last week, opening the city's first Kia franchise.
Kia, one of the nation's fastest-growing brands, is a cousin to Seoul, South Korea-based Hyundai Motor, A manufacturer that caters to budget-minded consumers, Kia offers 11 different models that include the Optima, a mid-size sedan, the Sedona, a minivan, and the Sportage, a compact SUV.
Billion Automotive acquired the Sioux Falls Kia franchise in 2001, and also opened a Kia dealership in Rapid City last year.
The family-owned Billion Automotive, founded in 1935 by the late Henry Billion, has grown to include seven location in Sioux Falls and single stores in Salem, Worthing, Watertown and Rapid City. Its 13 different brands include GMC, Buick, Nissan, Hyundai, Chrylser, Jeep, Mazda, Chevy, Pontiac, Dodge and Toyota and Scion.
Today, the Billion business is run by second and third generation owners, David H. Billion, the company president, and his son, David R. Billion, the vice president.
During a visit to the newly-opened Billion Kia at 3701Singing Hills Blvd. Wednesday, David R. Billion, 38, sat down for a chat with Journal business editor Dave Dreeszen. Here's a portion of that question and answer session.
Q: Your family's business has been around for 73 years. What's led to its longevity and success?
A: Treating customers fair. We've always believed in fair dealing. We've also always worked on finding the best qualified and most personable employees. Obviously one of our biggest successes are our people.
Q: How did you get your start in the auto business?
A; My first job (at age 12 or 13) was pulling weeds and cleaning up the body shop materials. Then I moved into parts delivery. Then I went into service warranty administration, used car sales, new car sales, financing and insurance, sales management and general management. At that point, I went into ownership.
Q: Tell us a little bit about Kia?
A: In 2001, Kia was a brand that was just kind of emerging in the United States... They have in the last five years won all kinds of awards for quality and durability and styling. They do all that with a very aggressive price point. The other thing Kia is very aggressive in is the financial aspect of the car business... getting customers good financing arrangements.
Q: What led you to Sioux City market?
A: I think Sioux City is a great market. There's a very good group down at the city working in economic development. People are very progressive. They're doing whatever they can to try and get growth in Sioux City and it shows.
Q: What can customers expect to see at the new Billion Kia?
A: This obviously is a ground up facility.. It's a Kia design facility. They really wanted to make it a warm, friendly environment for people to come and get their cars serviced, as well as to purchase cars.
Kia, one of the nation's fastest-growing brands, is a cousin to Seoul, South Korea-based Hyundai Motor, A manufacturer that caters to budget-minded consumers, Kia offers 11 different models that include the Optima, a mid-size sedan, the Sedona, a minivan, and the Sportage, a compact SUV.
Billion Automotive acquired the Sioux Falls Kia franchise in 2001, and also opened a Kia dealership in Rapid City last year.
The family-owned Billion Automotive, founded in 1935 by the late Henry Billion, has grown to include seven location in Sioux Falls and single stores in Salem, Worthing, Watertown and Rapid City. Its 13 different brands include GMC, Buick, Nissan, Hyundai, Chrylser, Jeep, Mazda, Chevy, Pontiac, Dodge and Toyota and Scion.
Today, the Billion business is run by second and third generation owners, David H. Billion, the company president, and his son, David R. Billion, the vice president.
During a visit to the newly-opened Billion Kia at 3701Singing Hills Blvd. Wednesday, David R. Billion, 38, sat down for a chat with Journal business editor Dave Dreeszen. Here's a portion of that question and answer session.
Q: Your family's business has been around for 73 years. What's led to its longevity and success?
A: Treating customers fair. We've always believed in fair dealing. We've also always worked on finding the best qualified and most personable employees. Obviously one of our biggest successes are our people.
Q: How did you get your start in the auto business?
A; My first job (at age 12 or 13) was pulling weeds and cleaning up the body shop materials. Then I moved into parts delivery. Then I went into service warranty administration, used car sales, new car sales, financing and insurance, sales management and general management. At that point, I went into ownership.
Q: Tell us a little bit about Kia?
A: In 2001, Kia was a brand that was just kind of emerging in the United States... They have in the last five years won all kinds of awards for quality and durability and styling. They do all that with a very aggressive price point. The other thing Kia is very aggressive in is the financial aspect of the car business... getting customers good financing arrangements.
Q: What led you to Sioux City market?
A: I think Sioux City is a great market. There's a very good group down at the city working in economic development. People are very progressive. They're doing whatever they can to try and get growth in Sioux City and it shows.
Q: What can customers expect to see at the new Billion Kia?
A: This obviously is a ground up facility.. It's a Kia design facility. They really wanted to make it a warm, friendly environment for people to come and get their cars serviced, as well as to purchase cars.
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