General Motors recently declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will close about 2,400 new car dealerships nationwide – but the oldest GM new car dealer in Safford, The Johnson Motors Corporation, will continue to offer new GM products.

According to owner Tom Johnson, Johnson Motors has been in business in the Gila Valley for 33 years. When GM decided to reduce its new car dealers from about 6,000 to 3,600, Johnson Motors received a letter of confidence stating it would remain a new car franchise.

Johnson read part of the letter, which stated GM is "extremely pleased that The Johnson Motors Corporation has been identified by GM as one of its key dealers for the GMC brand." GM is restructuring itself to focus on becoming a "leaner, quicker, more customer-focused and cost-competitive company," according to its Web site.

While GM will only be offering four core products in the future – GMC, Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac – GM will honor all warranties on all makes and models. Those warranties will be honored at Johnson Motors, and the dealer will have the same access it has always had to replacement parts. Johnson Motors is authorized to service any GM vehicle, according to General Manager Terry Johnson.

Johnson Motors also sells new Pontiac vehicles – one of the divisions to be sold off by GM – and its last new year model will be the 2010 edition. Johnson Motors will continue to sell certified GM used cars, however, including the Pontiac brand.

One of the new products Johnson Motors is excited about is the 2010 GMC Terrain SUV crossover vehicle.

The Terrain's key features include fuel-efficient performance with an estimated 32 miles per gallon and a standard rear vision camera displayed on an LCD monitor located inside the rearview mirror. The camera can also display a touch screen navigation system.

Other features of the Terrain include Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, a programmable power rear lift gate, USB audio connectivity for MP3 players, standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio, remote vehicle start and a MultiFlex sliding rear seat that can either increase passenger comfort or maximize cargo space.

In addition to selling new GM vehicles, Johnson Motors is also the only import new car dealer in the Gila Valley and sells new Nissan products.

"We are proud to be the only import dealer," Tom Johnson said.

Johnson Motors' logo calls itself "The Caring Team," and it validates that statement through a variety of sponsorships and donations throughout the Gila Valley, according to Tom's wife, Becky. Terry Johnson also does his part to help other businesses in Graham County through his work as president of the Chamber of Commerce.

Johnson Motors has been a staple of the community for 33 years and will continue to serve the community as the business is handed down from generation to generation.