Photo/DAN PELTON ORANGEVILLE HONDA is heading into 2010 with a new-look showroom and a lower financing and leasing rates on its updated line of vehicles. Sales manager Mitch Cadesky, centre, is flanked by Michael Eanes, right, and Bob Eggleton. Despite the doom and gloom stories that have dominated the news the last couple of years, there is optimism at local car dealers, including Orangeville Honda.

The dealership on Highway 9 has undergone a renovation that includes a redone showroom and parking lot. It was an expensive project, but sales manager Mitch Cadesky sees it as money well spent.

“There’s a client base that needs to be serviced,” said Mr. Cadesky. “If we don’t modernize, we stagnate.”

It’s not just the physical appearance of the 28-yearold property that is in the news.

On Wednesday, Honda announced it is reducing its financing and leasing rates to the point where both start at 0.9 per cent. In addition, returning lease customers will save an additional one per cent.

Orangeville Honda is now under the Humberview Group which, Mr. Cadesky says, “allows the store and its customers a broader range of services and expertise.”

As well, the staff undergoes the rigorous and continuous Honda training to service and advise on the new range of Honda products.

The 2010 line focuses on fuel economy with the Civic, Insight and sporty, two-door CRZs all available as hybrids. As well, the popular Accord is now available in all-wheel drive.

For Mr. Cadesky, today’s savvy customer is looking at much more than the price tag when he or she is shopping for a new vehicle.

“You can’t be a more expensive car,” he says. “You have to be a more value-packed car.”