Get Smart

(Monday, October 12) SMITHTOWN - Sales consultant Peter Grosfeld, 62, pops his head through the convertible top of a Smart car measuring just 8.84 feet in length. "It's all about the economy...and times are tough," says Grosfeld who mentioned that more dealerships on the "Auto-row" would be closing.


Photo credit: Bob Doda

Holding up the Industry

(Monday, October 12) SMITHTOWN - Despite the herculean effort displayed by Derek Lombardi of Branch Auto Care, owner Mike Drey says his sales have fallen 20% over the last year.


Photo credit: Bob Doda

Just a Scratch

(Monday, October 12) SMITHTOWN - "We just had one of the best summers we have ever had," says Kevin Kalberer of Smithtown Auto Collision. "Bad economy or not, bad drivers will be bad drivers." Kalberer stands in a graveyard of cars in front of what's left of a Hyundai.


Photo credit: Bob Doda

Hitchin a Ride

(Sunday, October 11) SMITHTOWN - A man exits a Volvo on the top level of a car transport in front of the Smithtown Volvo/Saab dealership.


Photo credit: Bob Doda

Lincoln Memorial

(Sunday, October 11) SMITHTOWN - Only the etchings of an old Lincoln Mercury sign remains on "Auto-row" on Middle Country road in Smithtown. The lot and offices have been vacant since the fall of 2008.


Photo credit: Bob Doda

Empty Spaces

(Wednesday, October 7) SMITHTOWN - What was once a thriving Smithtown Mitsubishi is now an empty office. Just one of the many casualties on the Smithtown's "Auto-row;" a half-mile strip of over 20 dealerships and service shops.


Photo credit: Bob Doda

The Long and Winding Road

(Wednesday, October 7) SMITHTOWN - On his last day as manager of Smithtown Mazda, Vincent Villani, 27, put the final touches on a customer's recently purchased Mazda 3. He's now selling used cars in Huntington. "I'm tired of being bounced around from place to place," he comments. "There has never been stability."

Photo credit: Bob Doda