Publisher’s Note: I first met ‘Z’ owner of Autoworld of Smyrna while I was looking for a Chevrolet Impala in 2011. I spotted his ad on Craigslist and noticed it was priced low and I made the purchase. Z and his brothers Dilshade, Beiwar and Musheer are all of Kurdish decent were all great to deal with. Their family immigrated from Northern Iraq (Kurdistan) to escape Saddam Hussein‘s deadly terror in which he tried to destroy the Kurdish people.

The Kurds have a saying “No friends but the Mountains.”
An estimated 15,000 Kurds reside in the Nashville area. In fact, the Kurds are the largest ethnic group in the world without their own autonomous land.

Since that Impala purchase I’ve bought 23 vehicles from them—including a Harley-Davidson and another motorcycle over the past 11 years.
Having owned an automotive business myself I can somewhat relate to what they are going. We were very fortunate that we didn’t suffer any significant losses like they have.
Sometimes in life’s pitfalls and challenges we have to find some humor. While visiting with Z yesterday I asked him, “why do you buy so many Dodge Challengers are your profit margins higher than on other vehicles? He responded, “No, I just like Challengers.” I responded, “Well, apparently so do thieves from Memphis.”

Needless to say, if you’re in the market for a great buy on a Dodge Challenger now may be the time to go visit Z—Just Sayin.’

Memphis Gang of Thieves

Memphis Gang of Thieves hit Autoworld of Smyrna. 

The dealership, which is located at 1497 South Lowry Street, unfortunately isn’t immune to thefts. They’ve had two Dodge Challengers stolen in recent years and last year had catalytic converters stolen — costing them thousands of dollars.

The thieves were able to start a Jeep Cherokee and used it to break down the front gate in order to steal the Challenger Hellcat.

They were able to start the Jeep Cherokee by a keyless programming device after they broke out the rear. After using a transmitting device that mimics the keyless fob to start the vehicle, the thieves then drove the vehicle across the fence and returned to drive through the gate breaking the 6×6 wooden post.

In instances like these, thieves manage to get in by breaking the vehicle window then start the vehicle by using a transmitting device which mimics the keyless fob — then driving away.

The Mopar vehicles targeted are Dodge Chargers, Challengers, Durangos and Jeep Grand Cherokees.

If you drive a Dodge Challenger or Charger, you may have read an article about how the Mopar muscle cars have become popular targets of thieves. Many reports make it sound as though these are the only cars being stolen, when in reality, it represents less than 0.2 percent of all car thefts annually.

Police encourage vehicle owners to be extra vigilant and aware of this type of crime and where they leave their keys overnight.

Can thieves intercept my key fob’s signal when it’s inside my house and steal my car?https://www.theglobeandmail.com/drive/mobility/article-can-thieves-intercept-my-key-fobs-signal-when-its-inside-my-house-and/

The theft comes at a tough time for owners of Autoworld with fuel cost at an all-time high, inflation at a 40-year high and rising energy cost — just to name a few. The rising cost continue to  make it increasingly difficult for a small business to be successful.

I asked Z how the Smyrna Police have been to interact with. Below is his response:

“The Smyrna Police Department have been an amazing group of people that truly care about their community. Their response time is impeccable. I feel like they go out of there way to make us feel safe. These groups that steal and destroy peoples things in such a difficult time for everyone will never find happiness. Praying for those that have lost there way to find a way to help people in there communities and country. I feel sorry for people that have chosen this way of life and praying God guides them back to the right path. The Path to do right by everyone you meet to the best of your ability is so much more rewarding and longer lasting than any materialistic things this world has to offer. Love one another care for your neighbors as they we’re family and praying for peace and giving thanks for being able to live in such a beautiful and safe country. Let’s make it stronger together and pray for world peace and understanding ask me for help before you steal and give me a chance to help you because some wonderful group of people helped my family and I when we needed it. We are just doing our part to give back and make our country a safer and better place for us all.”

Whether you’re a small business owner or an individual in these trying times I would encourage you to be diligent and lock your doors and use precautions to protect your homes, business, cars and valuables from thieves—not only from Memphis but locally as well.

If you’re interested in a great buy on a Dodge Challenger, Z has a dozen of them—I think he may have a sale going on.

Call Z or one of his brothers at 615-545-2003.