COEUR d'ALENE - Midway Automotive Group Inc. has purchased the assets of the Dodge dealership in Coeur d'Alene owned by Tom Addis.

Midway Automotive's president Joe Arrotta and Tom Addis both confirmed the deal and said it was finalized Tuesday.

Addis said he has had the Dodge business for 25 years. He'll maintain his Ford-Lincoln dealership, at 315 Clayton Ave., just south of Dalton Avenue along U.S. 95.

"We felt it was better in these times to focus on one thing," Addis said.

Arrotta said it was an asset purchase that includes vehicle parts, specialized tools, new vehicle inventory, and the right to the Dodge franchise, which Midway was just awarded.

Arrotta said the now larger dealership, 550 N. Alberta St., in Post Falls, just north of Interstate 90, would be called Midway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Arrotta said it has been Chrysler's goal to have the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands "under one roof" at dealerships.

"That's what Chrysler wanted to happen one way or another," he said. Therefore, "This is a good fit for us. It's more convenient for consumers."

Arrotta said about 6,000 square feet of space is being added to the Midway Chrysler dealership's building.

The extra space will give the dealership eight more service bays, an enclosed and heated service drive, expanded parts department, and remodeled showroom and service area.

He said he hoped to have the addition and remodel work completed by November.

"It's kind of a hectic time," Arrotta said. "When it's all done, it's going to be really nice for our customers."

He said the building addition and new Dodge business will mean the dealership will add about 20 employees. About five or six of those additional people have already been hired, he said.

Midway Automotive also has a Nissan dealership at 1800 E. Polston Ave., Post Falls.

Midway sold its Subaru dealership earlier this year to Parker Automotive Inc., which has the Parker Toyota dealership in Coeur d'Alene.