Get out of Dodge

The cringes come quickly for Bob Boast Volkswagen President Steve Bierwirth when he attends Bradenton community and charity functions.

The reason for the recoil: Bierwirth is often introduced as president of Bob Boast Dodge — a moniker that was erased more than two years ago, in May 2009.

That was when Chrysler, parent of the Dodge brand, terminated 789 dealership franchise agreements nationwide, part of a federal government-backed bailout program. Bob Boast Dodge, which Bradenton businessman and World War II veteran Jim Boast founded in 1963, was on the termination list.