Eich Motor Company - Celebrating 110 Years

This morning as I comtemplated our 110th Anniversary, I wondered where we ranked in terms of the oldest dealerships in the US. Last year Eich Motor Company was awarded with the NADA's Century Award and ranked 9th as the oldest established dealership in the United States. At that moment, I felt a wave of honor to work in one of the longest living family-owned and operated automobile dealerships in the United States. One would think that for that reason alone this business would be pompous and powerful, using its wealth and reputation for monetary gains. But from the time I entered the doors of this once smallish VW showroom at 1933 W. Division St in St. Cloud, MN, I felt nothing but sincere appreciation for my interest in the company and ongoing gratitude for my business. Even as a high schooler with big dreams of one day owning my own New Beetle (and having little money to realize that dream) I was warmly welcomed, treated well, and when I'd leave wished a safe return. Fast forward seven years and I hold the Marketing Manager's position at this store and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't see the little things, the details, the friendly family-oriented atmosphere that often is played up at other stores, but seldom felt, that drives the on-going success of this dealership. It may not sound like anything profound, but when asked about small-business in the United States, this is truly a success story, especially in ways other than monetary.

Incorporated in 1898 as a farm implement and machinery dealer, A.A. Eich began a small franchise on Seventh St. in downtown St. Cloud. Studebaker wagons and buggies would later become the focus of their efforts and in 1910 the first Studebaker car was sold. Later renamed A.A. Eich & Son, the dealership sold several other brands including MG, Triumph, Austin-Healy, Hillman, Borgward, and finally, Mercedes until 1975. St. Cloud's first imported car was probably a BMC (British Motor Car.) Volkswagen would be the driving brand of the company when the first Beetle was sold on November 8, 1960. The Mazda brand was added in 1973.

There isn't enough room on this blog page to elaborate on the history of the company or the heritage of the brands we carry, but if interested, please visit our website for a more complete historical account of Eich Motor Company here. And if in the neighborhood, please stop by and have a cup of coffee with us. You're always welcome.

2009 Volkswagen Routan

Official photographs of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan have been released. With only days before the Chicago Autoshow, Volkswagen has made available a first look at the 2009 Routan mini-van it expects to launch in September. "A car for all routes and reasons" the Routan's name is mixture of the english word "route" and attaches Volkwagen's signature "an" prefix to denote the line-up of mini-van offerings as in the german Touran and Sharan models. Volkswagen expects this unique offering to sell 40,000 unit in its peak year and touts it as the "only European alternative" for minivans in the US market. With unique features such as imposed seven-passenger seating and touch-screen navigation, the Routan will round out our line-up her at Eich Motor Company. For several years customers have sought after a vehicle that can house the entire family and the Routan promises to fill that void. After the decision not to import the increasingly hard-to-find EuroVan, loyal VW enthusiasts will be able to return to their roots and brand-of-choice with this newest addition.

With a base price of around $25,000, the Routan will offer a great starting price for this, what is sure to be, a premium European alternative to other makes and models. Be sure to check back for more information regarding the Volkswagen Routan, or check out the Chicago Auto Show for more information here.