Billion Automotive buys Chezik-Bell Honda

Billion Automotive, a South Dakota-based family dealership, has acquired Chezik-Bell Honda in Iowa City.

The dealership at 2641 Mormon Trek Blvd., now known as Billion Honda of Iowa City, was acquired Nov. 23, dealership Vice President Dave Billion said.

The acquisition is the first Honda dealership for Billion Automotive and its second in Iowa. The company has 14 new car franchises in 11 locations.

Billion said all dealership employees except a small number of managers remained on with the dealership after the purchase was finalized. Duke Owens, a former regional vice president for Lithia Motors in the western United States, was named general manager of Billion Honda.

“We're very happy to be in the Iowa City market, and especially with a leading franchise such as Honda,” Billion said.

Billion Automotive dates back to 1935, when its first dealership, an Oldsmobile franchise, opened in Sioux Falls, S.D. The headquarters remains in Sioux Falls.

Dave Billion is the son of the founder. He operates the chain of dealerships with his son David Billion, who is president of the Iowa City franchise.

Keeping customers satisfied and empowering employees to satisfy customers have been the keys to Billion Automotive's success, Dave Billion said.

“We empower our employees to treat people the way they would want to be treated if they went into a business,” he said.

Billion Automotive offers a wide range of auto nameplates. The company has a strong Internet presence and advertises delivery to customers in a large multistate area.

Chezik-Bell Honda was founded in 1987 by John Chezik and former Chicago Bears star Gale Sayers. It operated as Chezik-Sayers Honda until 2004, when the name was changed to Chezik-Bell for owners John Chezik and Jon Bell.

Iowa Automotive Holdings LC, a company owned by Chezik and Bell, acquired the former Carousel Ford Lincoln Mercury in Iowa City in 2007, and continue to operate that business. A call to the company's representative was not immediately returned.