CHARLOTTE, N.C. -

Last time Sonic Automotive expanded its line of EchoPark Automotive used-car stores, it added a location in the dealer group’s hometown of Charlotte, N.C.

This time, Sonic added an EchoPark location in the hometown of its president.

“I am excited to open the next EchoPark Automotive store in my hometown of Houston.  We have spent considerable time and effort developing a pre-owned vehicle experience that delivers on our brand promise of value, honesty and transparency,” said Jeff Dyke, president of Sonic and EchoPark, in a news release.

“Since 2014, EchoPark has seen triple-digit growth, a great testament to the model and not only meeting, but exceeding customer expectations,” Dyke said.

This is the eighth location for the EchoPark standalone used-car store program. There are also stores in the Denver area; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas and San Antonio.

“Our goal has always been to provide a guest experience that breaks the stereotype of the used car dealership.  We are doing this with our outstanding associates and our state-of-the-art retail facilities,” Sonic chief executive officer David Smith said in a news release.

“Respect for our guests, a comfortable environment and vehicle inventories that meet our guest's needs are the foundation of EchoPark Automotive,” Smith said.

The EchoPark program has also focused making an impact in the individual communities where its stores are located, the company said.  The team at the newest store, for instance, worked with the Houston Food Bank to deliver 1,000 meals for families in need heading into Thanksgiving.

"One of the most rewarding experiences for me has been seeing our team come together in training and in our volunteer efforts.  We are excited to open our doors for Houston and let folks know what a great experience that our EchoPark Houston team is ready to provide them," EchoPark general manager Brian Faistenhammer said in a news release