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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 7:46 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2008

Hilo Chevrolet dealer crushes auto competition

Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

A modified Chevrolet Suburban faced off against a Honda Accord at Island Chevrolet in Hilo on Friday. A Hilo Chevrolet dealer literally crushed his Asian auto competition by arranging for a Chevrolet SUV with massive tires to drive over a Honda Accord and Hyundai Excel.

AP Photo/ Hawaii Tribune-Herald, William Ing

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HILO, Hawai'i — A Hilo Chevrolet dealer who tried to crush his Asian auto competition found the stunt a little harder to pull off than expected.

Island Chevrolet general sales manager James Severtson arranged for a Chevrolet Suburban SUV outfitted with massive tires costing $5,000 apiece to drive over a Honda Accord.

On the first attempt Friday, the monster truck blew a hydraulic hose and leaked vital fluid while the Honda remained intact and ready for more.

After several hours, the truck was repaired and driver Ryan Kepiki tried again, this time with a Hyundai Excel sedan parked next to the Honda.

Kepiki drove over the cars' hoods, destroying the windshields to the seeming delight of the rush-hour crowd.

Severtson said the dealership had been planning the crush-fest for a while. But he said it was a happy coincidence President Bush approved a bailout for U.S. automakers as the weekend arrived.

"We'd like to send the message that the best way to support your country is to buy an American vehicle today," Severtson said.

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Information from: Hawaii Tribune-Herald, www.hilohawaiitribune.com