12-14-2010

Smart Motors expanding Madison Facilities
Karen Rivedal
Wisconsin State Journal

Madison's Smart Motors on Tuesday began a remodeling project at Ball Body Shop in Middleton designed to increase space for more customer amenities and to expand an existing indoor drive-through estimating bay. Allen Foster, the Toyota dealership's general manager, expects the project to be finished by March.

Smart Motors at 5901 Odana Road acquired the body shop at 2225 Eagle Road in early May after former owner Jerry Ball decided to retire. The shop's former employees were retained. The shop works in conjunction with Smart's collision center at 2210 Pinehurst Drive, Middleton, and was acquired so the dealership could expand collision repair services to all makes and models.

Since taking over the shop, business has increased by about 35 percent, Foster said, and three full-time employees have been added. Foster attributed the jump in business to changes made by Smart including the addition of free loaner vehicles and the ability to work with all insurance companies.