Bronx Businessmen Hope Nissan Store Turnaround Leads to Success at New VW Rooftop

After reviving a closed Nissan store and making it one of the top brand rooftops in the market, Bronx businessmen Ted Bessen and Steven Risso are aiming to do it again — this time with a Volkswagen dealership.

The owners of Teddy Nissan recently opened Teddy Volkswagen, a facility also located on Boston Road.

Risso asserted, “Our immediate goals are to capitalize on the success of Teddy Nissan and hit the ground running. We plan to be selling 100 cars a month within the first few months.

“The store is also directly across the street, so it is a perfect location to enjoy economies of scale,” Risso pointed out.

“We believe Volkswagen to be a brand on the move,” continued Risso, who acquired the VW dealership with Bessen on Nov. 3.

“Volkswagen has an aggressive plan to become the No. 1 manufacturer in the world over the next few years, and part of this strategy is to increase market share in the U.S,” Risso went on to say. “The plan includes competing in the world’s largest segment in the U.S., going head-to-head against the Camry and the Accord.”

The owners highlighted Teddy Volkswagen underwent renovations to create a more inviting space for customers, including new paint, interior and exterior signs, enhanced lighting, upgraded computers and phones and remodeled waiting areas.

“The general strategy is the same as any other business,” Bessen insisted. “That is to have a strong foundation centered on customer satisfaction and ensuring the entire team understands these goals.”

Teddy Volkswagen expects to employ a staff of about 40 professionals; a figure the owners think can put a dent in the unemployment rate in the Bronx, which currently stands at about 14 percent.

“We looked for experience, friendliness and the ability to want to learn and be proactive in the position,” Risso insisted.

“There are a lot of skilled people who live in the Bronx who happen to be out of a job. These are people who are eager to work, and who are extremely motivated to do the best they can. They just need the opportunity,” he added.