A strong thunderstorm moved through the Southfield area during the evening hours on Monday, sparking a vehicle fire at Glassman Automotive. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but the result of the blaze was 8-10 destroyed Hyundai models.
Clifford Howard, a sales representative, said the cars, which were mostly Sonata sedans, were completely destroyed.
"Even the wheels on the cars were just disintegrated, melted," he said. "The heat was so intense that it melted the cars next door to it as well."
The cost of the damage is expected to be at least $250,000, although insurance will cover most of that.
However, Glassman won't be able to make up those lost sales during the crucial last few selling days of the month. The dealership has requested replacement cars from Hyundai, but it's doubtful they will arrive within the next few days.
"We're not in a position to replace those vehicles as quickly as we'd like," Glassman said.
Photos courtesy of Glassman Automotive Group
