Passport Motors Merges With Chapel Hill Tire

Passport Motors in Chapel Hill is closing, but customers are encouraged to take their business to Chapel Hill Tire just down the road.

Owner Jim Youngman and his master technician, Johnny Feathers, will welcome former Passport Motors customers to their new location just down the block in the Chapel Hill Tire shop located at 502 West Franklin Street.

“About a year ago,” said Youngman in a release, “our landlord informed us that they were selling the building. We immediately started looking for a new location and after carefully considering all of our options, we chose to join the team at Chapel Hill Tire.”

Chapel Hill Tire has been in business in Chapel Hill since 1953 and, according to Youngman, there’s a reason they’re been around so long.

“The reason they’re growing and expanding throughout the Triangle area, and it’s the reason we’re moving in with them, [is that] they take great care of their customers, they take great care of the people who work there, and they do great work. We couldn’t be happier.”

Youngman isn’t the only party pleased with the merger. Marc Pons, president of Chapel Hill Tire, is similarly enthused to be working with the former staff of Passport Motors.

“Passport Motors has built a well-deserved reputation as the go-to shop for owners of European cars, especially Volkswagens and Audis,” said Pons. “So, from the moment Jim mentioned his need to find a new location, I was hoping he’d choose to come here.”

Youngman and Feathers will be working at the West Franklin Street shop and customers can make an appointment with them at chapelhilltire.com by simply specifying the West Franklin Street location or calling the shop directly at (919) 967-7092. Of course, all the traditional Chapel Hill Tire ameneties apply — including its signature free shuttle service.

“We are a values-driven company that is built on the idea that happy employees create happy customers,” said Pons. “We strive for excellence, always say ‘yes’ to the customer, and always look for ways that we and our customers can win together. Jim and Johnny’s expertise, the quality of their work and their concern for their customers make them a great fit for us.”