Cajun Car Shuffle Continues - Suzuki to Sterling

POSTED 5/6/09

Driving on North University this afternoon, I noticed Sterling has taken over the local Suzuki franchise. A new Suzuki banner is hangs next to the Kia sign at the dealership's lot on University at Willow. Dealership employees tell me Sterling took control of Suzuki about two months ago from Acadiana Dodge. Suzuki is taking space vacated by Sterling's Hyundai dealership - which moved to Johnston Street.

This is just the latest shuffle on the local car scene, as many franchises have changed hands in the last year. Also complicating matters - the car companies themselves are in an unprecedented slump. In case you're confused about where to find your next car... here's a rundown of who has moved where.

NOTE - almost every car dealership moved this week. They're all trying to get you to buy new wheels at the car show at Cajun Field.

• Suzuki - now Sterling on N. University (formerly at Acadiana Dodge on the Evangeline Thruway)


• Sterling Hyundai - now on Johnston Street (at former Mazda lot, Hyundai used to be on N. University)


• Courtesy Mazda - now on Ambassador Caffery (at former Saturn lot, Mazda used to be on Johnston, before that at Lafayette Motors on Jefferson Blvd.)


• Acadiana Jeep / Chrysler - now on Evangeline Thruway (formerly at now-defunct Lafayette Motors on Jefferson Blvd.)


• Saturn - Closed. I did notice Saturn of Baton Rouge looks like it has a huge number of cars. Maybe some came from Lafayette?


• Giles Nissan - now on Duhon Rd. near Johnston (formerly further south on Johnston)


• Giles Subaru - new to Lafayette, at same Nissan / Volvo location


• Volkswagen - new dealership under construction across from Giles. Will be operated by owners of Southpoint VW in Baton Rouge.