About Us

Your Family-Owned Chevrolet Dealer in Emporia, KS

WELCOME!

We are pleased that you are visiting our website. It has been designed to be informative and easy to navigate. If you are looking for a new Chevrolet, a quality pre-owned vehicle or needing service or parts our website has the information you need.

Our dealership is locally owned and I'm the third generation that has served our customers in East Central Kansas. We have built our business by providing outstanding value in an upfront manner. We pride ourselves on all of our employees being customer focused and properly trained to meet your needs. Our business relies on repeat and referral business so we would like to welcome you into our family of customers.

Please continue to browse our site. I hope the information you are looking for is available. If not, our toll free phone numbers are listed on the home page. Our trained internet staff is available to answer all of your questions or concerns. Our hours and directions page is an open invitation for you to visit our dealership in person. Thanks for visiting! It is my hope that you have found our dealership provides outstanding value and exceptional customer service.

Our Story

Longbine Auto Plaza's story began long before our name appeared on the building.

Our roots trace back to the Handy family, whose Chevrolet dealerships served Kansas communities for generations. Dick Handy owned a Chevrolet dealership in Minneapolis, Kansas, while C.T. Handy operated a Chevrolet dealership in Goodland.

In 1962, Rich Longbine married Sue Handy, Dick Handy's daughter, and joined C.T. Handy at the Goodland dealership. Dick Handy acquired the dealership in Emporia in 1965. Together, they shared a vision for carrying on the family's commitment to honest business practices and exceptional customer service.

When C.T. Handy retired at age 71, Rich made the decision to relocate to the dealership in Emporia in 1968. That decision marked the beginning of Longbine Auto Plaza and started a tradition that continues today. Rich eventually became a partner and became the dealer principal in 1981 when Dick Handy passed away.

Growing Up in the Business

For Jeff Longbine, the dealership wasn't just a place to work—it was home.

Born in Goodland in 1962, Jeff grew up around the family business and officially joined the dealership in 1982. Working alongside his father, he learned that success isn't measured simply by vehicles sold, but by the relationships built with customers and the trust earned within the community.

After Rich's passing in 2004, Jeff became Dealer Principal and has continued leading Longbine Auto Plaza with the same values that have guided the dealership for decades.

More Than a Dealership

Today, Longbine Auto Plaza remains proudly family-owned and locally operated.

While the automotive industry has changed dramatically over the years, our mission hasn't. We believe in treating people with honesty, standing behind what we sell, and supporting the communities that have supported us for generations.

Whether you're shopping for a new Chevrolet, searching for a quality pre-owned vehicle, or trusting us with your service needs, our goal is to make every visit feel like you're part of the Longbine family.

Looking Ahead

As a third-generation family business, we're proud of where we've been—but even more excited about where we're going.

Every vehicle we sell and every customer we serve is another opportunity to continue a legacy that began more than six decades ago.

Thank you for allowing our family to serve yours.

Jeff Longbine

President/Owner

Longbine Auto Plaza