DETROIT -- The only Ferrari dealership in Michigan showed off its $5 million expansion when it opened for business Monday inside a 53,000-square-foot store in the Detroit suburbs.
Cauley Ferrari, in West Bloomfield, Mich., put the finishing touches on a makeover to match the luxury sports cars it has been selling from that outpost since 1999, said Jeff Cauley, co-owner and general manager of the dealership.
Expansion began two years ago on the building, originally 17,000 square feet. Since then, the dealership has been operating out of the 44,000-square-foot Cauley Performance Automotive body shop on the neighboring lot. Cauley said he plans to sell that property once Ferrari is fully moved back into its overhauled home.
While renovations went smoothly, the process was meticulous because of Ferrari's stringent requirements for the design and specifications of dealerships it authorizes.
"The design is very sleek and modern; very stunning and inviting," Cauley said. "I think it's going to be really good and timeless."
Cauley was born into the car sales world. His father, Jack, opened a Chevrolet dealership in 1969 in Ferndale and moved it to West Bloomfield in 1978. Jeff became a co-dealer principal in 1988 and took over the store in 1993 when his father retired. The Chevy franchise was terminated in 2010, a little more than 10 years after Ferrari was added.
For Cauley, the expansion of Ferrari is a vote of confidence in strengthening business and it is added flair for luring new customers and spoiling loyal ones. It fits with his emphasis on building brand loyalty over volume.
"Ferrari is pure selling -- selling the product, selling the relationship," he said. "No rebates, no special deals."
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