STATE OF THE UNION

When most people hear “Fleet and Commercial Sales,” they often think of large companies managing dozens—or even hundreds—of vehicles. But at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick Inc., our Fleet and Commercial Sales Department is built to serve businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small business owner in need of just one vehicle—be it a compact SUV, an EV, a light-duty truck, or even a specialized Class 7 truck—our experienced team is ready to assist. You don’t need a massive fleet of white trucks to benefit from our commercial expertise. We also offer one-stop shopping through our in-house accessories department. Need window tint, toolboxes, custom lighting, or graphics? We can help outfit your new commercial vehicle and have it road-ready from day one. Our clients span a wide range of industries, including real estate, janitorial services, landscaping, window washing, small moving companies, insurance adjusting, bakeries, construction, farming, ranching, and many more. No matter your profession or vehicle needs, our Fleet and Commercial experts are here to simplify the buying process and deliver a solution that works for you. Let us help keep your business moving forward. Robert Cardosi Fleet Manager Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick, Inc.

By now, just about everyone is aware that the new administration of the United States government implemented a tariff on new vehicles built outside the U.S., starting April 2nd of this year. What seems to be causing some confusion is how it all plays out and what it does to the cost of vehicles today. To add to that confusion, some vehicles that are assembled here have parts made in other countries—and those parts are subject to the tariff, even though the vehicle was built in the U.S. I believe the biggest misconception is that tariffs only apply to import car brands sold in the U.S., and not domestic car brands. While there are import car companies assembling vehicles right here on U.S. soil, there are also domestic car companies with assembly plants in Mexico, Canada, and other countries around the world. Many of those domestic cars may be sold here in the U.S. but were built in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere. Another misconception is that on April 2nd, all new vehicles subject to tariffs immediately went up in price. That is not the case. In fact, not a single vehicle on our lot has a tariff attached to it from that date. The best news—and I can only speak for General Motors and Volkswagen—is that neither of them has raised prices. So, even the vehicles being shipped to us now have no tariff costs passed along to consumers. Both General Motors and Volkswagen have chosen to absorb the tariff themselves. We understand there is some confusion, and as a dealer body across the country, we are somewhat playing the waiting game as well. What we do know is that today, it’s business as usual. Prices have never been better, the deals are HOT, and NOW is the time to buy. Not a single vehicle on our lot has a tariff attached. We hope to see you soon! John Chauvin – General Manager Don Hewlett Chevrolet, Buick Inc.

By John Chauvin, General Manager It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of our founders, Don and Patti Hewlett. While it’s been several years since they fully retired, there are still a few of us here at the dealership who worked alongside of our founders, including me. If one were to look up “All-American Couple”, Don and Patti’s photo would be there. The two of them met very early in life, dated in high school and got married shortly after. The love they had for one another was second to none and it was obvious to everyone - even some 70+ years later. Over the years while Don and Patti were raising their own family, they were also building a business together. The love and passion for each other and their own children was also a true partnership and blessing. Their beliefs and values carried over, even all the years later, to their extended family of nearly 400 employees. As time passed and the family and business both grew, Don and Patti simply grew with it. Not once did they ever change or waiver from their original values and beginnings. For me personally, it is hard to find a more loving, wholesome, kindhearted and genuine couple. To Don and Patti, your love, passion and caring for others – and certainly your legacy, will live on forever, we will make sure of it. You are truly loved and will be greatly missed by the entire Don Hewlett organization.