Audia Motors in Millbrook gets upgrades, expansion

MILLBROOK — As part of the reorganization of General Motors (GM), Audia Motors Chevrolet on Route 44 in Millbrook has undergone its first renovation since 1957.The business was started by Italian immigrant Sam Audia as a small repair shop in 1947.It grew into a Chevrolet franchise in 1955 and is now run by Sam’s two sons, Peter and Robert Audia. Chevrolet is a division of GM.“My dad bought the business across the street in 1947, when it was a just a repair shop,” Robert explained. “When we got the Chevrolet franchise in 1955, my father had to promise to build a bigger facility. “So he bought this property in 1955, and with financing from local banks he was able to do it in two years.”There have been about five minor renovations and additions over the years but this is the first big overhaul of the shop since 1957. The new look reflects changes to GM and its fleet of cars and trucks.“So far we have about nine new models,” Audia said. “Every one of them is a hit; every one is great.”As for the renovation, he said, “It was time to redo the place anyway, so it was good timing for us.”The work includes a new showroom, a new reception area for the service department and upgrades to the parts department and main offices. The estimated cost of the project is $1 million (some of which GM will reimburse the dealer for over the next four years). Audia feels it is money well-spent.“It’s really been a boost for our employees,” he said. “We have 27 employees and they are all very excited to have a lot of new stuff. We have more to come; we are going to be redoing things in the shop for the guys there. We always invest in equipment for our service department; service has always been a backbone of our business.” GM has offered image programs and upgrades in the past that Audia did not participate in. Audia said the new image is clean, neat and fresh. Audia said when all the work is done, sometime after the start of the new year, there will be an open house for the public. Audia is also planning to hire three to five new people in the next six to nine months to help with the website, service, reception, parts and sales. To learn more about Audia, go to www.audiamotors.com or call 845-677-3406.