Under terms of the agreement, McGrath Chevyland anticipates being assigned Rydell's former Chevrolet territory.

The Center Point dealership became Rydell Automotive Used Cars on Monday night, according to Jay Opoien, general manager of the business. He said the location is open for business as usual today, minus the new car component.

Opoien attributed the change to the current business climate and a national program whereby General Motors is trying to reduce the number of dealers.

We feel we can do just as well selling late-model pre-owned vehicles, Opoien said. We have all of the same great people.

Rydell acquired the former Advantage Automotive Group's Chevrolet dealership at the

Interstate 380 Center Point exit in August 2004 from RAM Automotive, after acquiring a used car sales operation from RAM in Cedar Rapids in June 2004.

The Center Point dealership was the first major expansion outside Waterloo for the company, which has operated Rydell Chevrolet Mitsubishi in Waterloo for well over two decades. Rydell's Waterloo business will not be affected by the agreement with McGrath Chevyland.

Auto industry analysts expect similar transitions to become more common in the industry due to recent changes in the marketplace, including a tightening of consumer credit and reduced consumer confidence, which have slowed auto sales.