OCTOBER 2007: BIZ LIFE
Lithia Motors
chief and his five fave cars
THERE ARE PEOPLE who know cars and people who love cars. Sid
DeBoer, a car enthusiast, has the additional insight that comes
from overseeing Lithia Motors, one of the country’s
largest car and truck retailers. DeBoer’s father, Walt,
began Lithia in 1946 in Ashland. Since taking the wheel as CEO
in 1968, DeBoer expanded the Medford-based company to a $3.17
billion enterprise. If you’re in the market for a new
car, here are DeBoer’s top-five favorites:
Toyota
Prius “A green, efficient and practical
car.” Four years since its U.S. introduction, the Prius
continues to edge its way into the mainstream.
Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab
4x4 with Hemi engine “Tough and
powerful.” Not only can this truck literally tow a ton or
two, it also has room for six people.
BMW M-6
convertible “Fun, sun and a performance
machine.” DeBoer also says it is fun to drive with a
sequential manual gearbox, which allows quick gear changes
without using a clutch.
Volkswagen
Touareg “A tight, safe and luxurious
SUV.” An electronic parking system uses sensors in the
front and rear bumpers to help drivers squeeze into those tight
parking spaces.
Chrysler minivan with
stow seating “The ultimate convenience and
flexible rig with luxury.” In-floor storage bins can hold
cargo or the rear seats, opening up 161 cubic feet of
storage.
COLLEEN MORAN
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