SALT LAKE CITY and BELLEVUE, Wash. -

Two Western dealership groups recently outlined plans either to upgrade some of their franchised facilities or build new showrooms.

First, the Larry H. Miller Dealership Group announced plans for the organization’s more than $30 million West Valley dealership reconstruction effort in Arizona with an estimated completion target of the spring or summer of next year.

After all construction has been completed, the Larry H. Miller brand will have invested more than $30 million dollars and “countless” man hours in the West Valley community, contributing more than 133,000 square feet of new construction to the Bell Road automotive corridor.

The Larry H. Miller Dealership Group currently operates five dealerships in the Phoenix market. Three of which are part of the West Valley reconstruction project: Larry H. Miller Toyota, Hyundai and Dodge Ram stores.

Construction for the projects is being managed by Miller Family Real Estate (MFRE), a Larry H. Miller organization.

Planned construction will consist of the full or partial demolition and complete reconstruction and renovation of the three existing automotive dealerships located on a fully improved 25-acre site.

Site work will consist of creating new drive approaches, reconfiguring hardscape, site utilities and site lighting, removing and replacing asphalt, and completing landscaping per the requirements set out by the city of Peoria.

Officials said all existing dealership sales, service and parts departments will remain operational during the renovation portion of this project.

“After over 30 years we are thrilled to improve our dealerships on Bell Road to offer a more enjoyable buying experience for consumers in the greater Phoenix automotive market,” said Dean Fitzpatrick, president and chief operating officer of the Larry H. Miller Dealership Group.

“We are proud to show our commitment to the West Valley and look forward to seeing this reinvestment continue to give back to the community by creating new jobs and pumping more dollars into the Greater Phoenix economy,” Fitzpatrick continued.

As construction goes on nearby, another Larry H. Miller executive, Greg Johnson, will be participating at this year’s National Remarketing Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. Johnson is set to be part of a panel on Thursday titled, “Top Trends in the 2012–2013 Used Car Industry.”

It’s a discussion of critical wholesale and retail underpinnings with a focus on dealer consignment, retail used-car sales volume and certified pre-owned opportunities.

For more details about this year’s conference, visit nrc.autoremarketing.com.

O’Brien Auto Group to Build New Honda Dealership

O'Brien Auto Group, one of the largest dealers in the Pacific Northwest, has been awarded a new Honda dealership in Marysville, Wash.

The company said construction of the new dealership will begin in January and officially open for business in fall of next year.

Officials indicated the full-service dealership, named Honda of Marysville, will be located just off of Interstate 5 near the 156th Street exit in Marysville.

Once completed, it will feature a showroom consisting of 20,000 square feet, one of the area’s largest inventories of new and used Hondas, 20 service bays, an extensive parts department and a fleet of loaner vehicles.

“Honda took a lot of care in awarding this franchise and we are honored to be viewed as the best-fit to serve this important market,” said Michael O’Brien, owner of the O’Brien Auto Group.

“Our goal is to create a best-in-market reputation for sales and service that attracts consumers and businesses from Everett to Bellingham,” O’Brien continued.

The owner insisted the announcement comes at a time when sales are quickly approaching pre-recession levels.

“After a tough four years, auto sales across the country are finally rebounding to levels we saw back in 2008,” O’Brien said. “Honda is major driver of that growth and, as a result, should provide a nice boost to the Marysville-Everett economy.”

City officials see the announcement as a great opportunity for both the economy and the community at-large.

“O’Brien Auto Group has a tremendous reputation for doing right by its customers and taking an active role in the communities they serve,” Marysville mayor Jon Nehring said. “We are equally impressed by their commitment to employees and creating new jobs for residents in the areas surrounding each of their dealerships.”

The mayor went on to say that he hopes area residents and businesses will delay any current plans to purchase a Honda until the new dealership is completed.

“It’s in all of our best interest to support local merchants as they help create jobs and grow our economy,” Nehring said. “When Honda of Marysville opens, let’s find a way to keep its 125 new employees busy.”

Founded in 1986, O'Brien Auto Group is a privately-held company that owns and operates 13 dealerships in Washington and Oregon. The company employs more than 600 people and had annual sales exceeding $500 million last year.

More information on the company can be viewed at www.obrienautogroup.com.