Defying Lore, AutoFair Formally Moves Subaru Dealership from N.H. to Haverhill

H. Andy Crews of AutoFair and School Committee member Paul A. Magliocchetti. (WHAV News photograph.)

Paul A. Magliocchetti, president of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, presents H. Andy Crews with a citation from the state House of Representatives. (WHAV News photograph.)

Ernie Boch Jr., center; AutoFair President and CEO H. Andy Crews, Subaru General Manager Jose Oliver and others cut the ribbon. (WHAV News photograph.)

Moving a business from New Hampshire to Massachusetts doesn’t seem intuitive to some.  AutoFair’s chief, however, said moving his Subaru dealership from Plaistow, N.H., to Haverhill was supported by sound business planning.

Andy Crews, president and CEO, acknowledged the perceived disconnect several times before business and community leaders during the formal opening last Thursday.

“It was not an easy decision to relocate from New Hampshire into Mass. A lot of people have asked me about that, and the economic impact you would have,” he said.

Since moving the former Singer Subaru from Plaistow Road to Broadway—next to AutoFair Ford—Crews said sales have gone from 60 to 80 cars on average monthly to 200 during May alone. He said Ernie Boch Jr., president and CEO of the Subaru of New England distributorship was one of the first to question the move. “Three years ago, when I went into Ernie’s office, and said I want to move a store from New Hampshire to Mass., (he asked) the question everyone says, ‘Why would you want to do that?’ Then, I sat down and showed him the business plan and what we saw as the future, and he asked the right questions.”

Boch, who has sold most of the automobile dealerships that still carry his family’s name, told the crowd AutoFair’s community support is an important component.

“Your investment Andy, and team in the community, which is near and dear to (Subaru’s) ‘Love Promise,’ which is what the Subaru brand is all about,” Boch said.

Manchester, N.H.-based AutoFair Companies purchased the former Regan Ford early in 2015, bought Singer Subaru later that year and moved that dealership to its Broadway site this year.

Crews thanked his employees, contractors and members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. “They worked with us, they worked with us during the entire construction process and I’m very proud to be a part of the City of Haverhill, so I want to thank the City of Haverhill for being such a great partner.”

Paul A. Magliocchetti, president of the Chamber, presented Crews with a citation form the state House of Representatives, signed by Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Reps. Linda Dean Campbell, Diana DiZoglio and Andy X. Vargas.

“Mr. Crews and your whole team here, you’re just adding to the great things going on.”