Local auto dealerships are busy clearing out old inventory to make room for new products. The 2004 models are in, ranging from Chevy Colorados, Ford’s new F-150, the Mazda RX8, Suzuki Veronas to Subaru Turbo Forresters and Cadillac XLRs.

Local dealers also report a very low turnover in their sales force, but there are other recent changes and accomplishments worthy of note.

The Grey Chevrolet service department in Port Orchard won an award for best customer service in the district that includes Kitsap and beyond, and the sales department was named No. 1 as well by Chevrolet.

Courtesy Ford/Mitsubishi/Suzuki of Poulsbo in September set a record for sales. A new financing employee, Robert Responts, joined the company, brining along extensive experience and energy. The used car department will begin a “giant remodel” before the end of the year, and the dealership plans to grow its used car inventory, general manager Wes Prewitt said.

At Hoover KIA in Bremerton, some service technicians have been with the company for over 20 years — and it’s no surprise that the dealership just received notice from KIA that all its technicians were recognized for their high customer service index scores. The sales department was also recognized for its outstanding service for the past year. Owner Martin Hoover says the building will soon look a little brighter, with a major repainting to reflect KIA’s red and white company colors.

Bay Ford in downtown Port Orchard more than doubled its used car inventory, dramatically changing the selection. The company signed a new agreement with a lending institution that guarantees 100 percent approval for any type of credit, which has allowed an additional 20 to 24 customers per month to qualify.

The Internet department, which has been a big part of the business, was expanded to three full-time staff. “We have the largest Internet department in the county,” general manager Kraig Quisenberry said, “and we are probably among the top 10 in the state in daily traffic.” Val Houck and Mark Hall from other departments joined Wes Schroll, a long-time Internet employee, and an office is being built for the expanded department. Some of the online buyers are from as far as Spokane and Canada; lured by the no pressure, easy way to buy a car online — and they don’t even have to leave home because the dealership delivers to their door.

John Saunders and Randy Lysinger are new sales faces at Bay Ford, and longtime employee Tom Parker moved to sales from another section.

At Peninsula Subaru in Gorst, work continues on a major expansion, expected to be completed in late December or early January. New general manager JT Curry joined the team recently, adding more than a decade of experience. A local resident, he eliminated a long commute to Tacoma. Tom Monagin is the new finance manager, with 20 years experience in the car business. Peninsula Subaru is also focusing more on its online sales, as more customers appreciate this new convenient way to buy a car.