One might think Hendrick Automotive Group, which claims to be the nation’s largest privately held auto retail organization with 134 franchises at 97 locations across the nation, might already have every vehicle brand covered.

But there was room for one more.

The dealership group has added its 26th brand with the opening of Hendrick INEOS Grenadier in Charleston, S.C.

The new location offers customers a selection of 4×4 vehicles from the British manufacturer, including the Grenadier Station Wagon and its pickup truck counterpart, the Grenadier Quartermaster. In a news release, Hendrick said both models are available in three trim levels to handle everything from everyday driving to extreme off-roading.

The Charleston store is Hendrick’s first INEOS dealership and the brand’s first dealership in South Carolina.

Chairman and CEO Rick Hendrick expressed excitement about introducing INEOS to South Carolina customers and becoming the brand’s first dealer in the state.

“INEOS is bringing something truly innovative to the 4×4 market,” he said. “Their commitment to performance, durability and craftsmanship aligns with our passion for delivering exceptional vehicles and experiences to our customers.

“We look forward to growing our relationship with the INEOS team while offering an exciting new option to off-road enthusiasts in the Lowcountry.”

While the dealership’s facility is still in the final stages of construction, sales and service are now available. Hendrick said it will cover more than 6,800 square feet and feature a customer lounge with complimentary wi-fi, snacks and refreshments, as well as a nine-bay service center staffed by factory-trained technicians.

The new addition is Hendrick’s 10th franchise in the Charleston market.

“Charleston is a perfect setting for the INEOS Grenadier, a vehicle built for adventure and outdoor living,” Hendrick INEOS Grenadier general manager Steve Strickland said. “For more than 40 years, Hendrick Automotive Group has proudly served the Charleston market. To say we’re excited to continue that journey is an understatement.

“Whether someone is an avid off-roader or looking to purchase their first 4×4, our team is ready to provide an unrivaled customer experience and showcase this one-of-a-kind vehicle.”

Case donations help drive American Heart Association CPR initiative

Donations from Rick Case Automotive Group are helping power the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative, which focuses on turning bystanders into lifesavers by encouraging people to learn hands-only CPR and act in emergencies.

The dealership’s gift allowed AHA’s Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale chapter to provide CPR Anytime training kits to nonprofits, schools, hospitals and city governments in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

“This is a story about the impact the distribution of these CPR kits has on our South Florida community,” Rick Case Automotive president and CEO Rita Case said. “This is a multi-year, very effective and truly lifesaving initiative.

“Statistics show 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital and 90% of people of all ages who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die. However, if CPR is administered within the first few minutes, there is an 80% survival rate. Every second counts.”

The American Heart Association said the importance of CPR kits cannot be overstated, particularly for children and infants. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year, with 40% related to sports and nearly 20% occurring in infants. AHA noted infant mortality rates in Broward County are the highest in Florida and are on the rise, with cardiac arrest accounting for 10% to 15% of sudden unexpected infant deaths.

In February, Rick Case Automotive donated 250 CPR Anytime training kits to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Fla., and Broward Health in Fort Lauderdale, part of a plan to provide 750 CPR training kits, including infant, child and adult kits, to be distributed throughout Broward County hospitals and NICUs over the next three years.

“I am committed to ensuring more families have the training, the tools and the confidence to act,” said Case, a member of the Nation of Lifesavers. “Together we can save lives.”

In addition, CPR in Schools training kits have been donated to Broward County Public Schools and Broward Healthy Start Coalition of Broward County received 1,000 CPR training kits to distribute to families across the county.

Other organizations using the kits include Broward Community & Family Health Centers, the Northwest Gardens Housing Authority in Fort Lauderdale, the Broward County Public Library and Children’s Services Council of Broward County’s Broward AWARE! Campaign.

In Miami-Dade County, staff at libraries on several Miami-Dade College campuses will teach students the hands-only CPR technique and the City of Hialeah will train civilian staff of the fire department, city employees and community members.

“We are so incredibly appreciative to Rita and her team for their continued support as we look forward to everyone learning CPR and joining our Nation of Lifesavers,” American Heart Association Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale executive director Marisol Vera said. “Distributing these kits will go a long way in making that happen.

“Since we launched Nation of Lifesavers two years ago, we have seen a 6% increase in bystander confidence to perform any type of CPR, up from 33% to 39%. This progress is largely due to our emphasis on hands-only CPR.”