While powerful Dodge trucks are the biggest seller at Sheets Chrysler-Dodge, the dealership is proud of its new minivans, which are loaded with every convenience the manufacturers could think up.

“They’ve got everything on them now, and they are good for the family because of all the features,” said Dennis Sheets, the dealership’s owner.

The Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans are available with DVD players, satellite television, all-row airbags, roomy center consoles and dozens of other comforts. They even have rear seats that fold into the floor to provide room for cargo or luggage. The front row of rear seats swivels to face the back row, creating a seating area with a removable table so passengers can play cards.

“Dodge and Chrysler have always been the leaders in the minivan, and they keep leading the way,” Sheets said.

But now the American manufacturers are offering more than convenience; they are offering a guarantee of reliability with a “lifetime warranty.”

“For as long as the original owner has the car, it’s under warranty,” Sheets said. “If they (manufacturers) are going to warranty a vehicle for life, they have got to be building good vehicles.”

And the customers seem to agree. Sheets Chrysler-Dodge has been doing a brisk business — so much so that they need to increase the size of their facility.

“We’ve been doing so much business,” Sheets reported. “We don’t have enough room for service or sales.”

As one of the larger dealerships in the region, Sheets Chrysler-Dodge is frequently asked to contribute to charities.

Sheets said that his favorite charity is the United Way, which works to assist the local community.

“I contribute more to them (United Way) than anyone else,” Sheets said. “I want to give back to the people who are supporting me.”

Sheets Chrysler-Dodge is joining eight other dealerships in supporting the United Way of Southern West Virginia’s 2007 Drive Away fundraiser.

Proceeds from the event will support the United Way and 26 nonprofit agencies that serve communities in Raleigh, Nicholas and Fayette counties.

Eight local car dealers, and one motorcycle dealer, have agreed to participate in the event, selling tickets for a raffle to be held Nov. 30. The winner of the drawing will pick out a $20,000 vehicle from any of the dealerships.

Second prize is a $3,000 gas card from Shell stations located at Harper Road, Eisenhower Drive and Airport Road.

Third prize is a 42-inch Hitachi plasma HD television from John Eye’s Big Sandy Furniture.

One ticket is $100, and three tickets are $200.

“We really need people to buy tickets to the raffle,” said Linda Lugar, executive director of the United Way of Southern West Virginia.

Lugar explained that the Drive Away fundraiser was very successful last year, raising $27,000 for the United Way.

“If the people who supported us last year by buying a ticket would help this year, we will be successful again,” Lugar said.

Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket can stop into one of the participating dealerships or call the United Way of Southern West Virginia at 253-2111.

— E-mail: bbilleter@register-herald.com