Business briefs

Advertiser Staff

Hyundai to join Tony Group

Local automobile dealer Tony Group plans to add a Hyundai dealership and public car wash to its 10-acre Waipi'o autoplex across from Costco.

The addition is expected to cost $5 million and open Dec. 1. Tony Group, which features Honda, Nissan and Volkswagen vehicles at the autoplex, recently acquired rights to represent Hyundai.

Aloha Hyundai Ltd., a competitor, operates on Nimitz Highway near the airport.

Waldenbooks goes to Borders

Borders Group yesterday confirmed its plan to re-brand 10 Waldenbooks stores in Hawai'i as Borders Express, starting in July.

Borders Express stores will incorporate more varied products, including CDs, DVDs and a section for gifts and stationary, but no cafes. Promotions at Borders Books & Music superstores will be extended to Borders Express.

The re-branding is part of a test involving 35 Waldenbooks stores in six U.S. markets. A Waldenbooks in Hilo is not being changed.

Judge approves airline's plan

A federal bankruptcy judge yesterday approved the revised schedule for Hawaiian Airlines to exit Chapter 11. The new date to select a winning bid to take over the airline is Oct. 5. The previous deadline was Aug. 31.

Trustee Josh Gotbaum and the unsecured creditors committee said they need the additional time to work with interested parties in filing a reorganization plan for the bankrupt airlines.