Sonic Automotive has opened its newest EchoPark specialty pre-owned vehicle store in Birmingham, Ala.

The 27,000-square-foot facility is the company’s 22nd location to date and its first in Alabama.

David Smith, chief executive officer of Sonic Automotive and EchoPark Automotive, said Birmingham has long been a strong market for Sonic’s new-vehicle business.

“More and more people are getting back out on the roads as we head further into 2021, and we expect to see continued strong demand for pre-owned vehicles and rapid growth for the EchoPark brand as a result of its inventory selection, unbeatable pricing and unique guest experience,” Smith said in a news release.

Smith also said, “There is a tremendous opportunity for growth in the pre-owned vehicle market, and as we continue the rapid expansion of our nationwide distribution network we are excited to introduce the EchoPark guest experience to car buyers in the state of Alabama and beyond.”

Greater Birmingham market guests will be able to visit in person at 2001 Tom Williams Way or online at www.echopark.com to shop nearly 10,000 1- to 4-year-old pre-owned vehicles under original factory warranty. The vehicles have clean Carfax reports, and Sonic said they are priced up to 40% below new-car pricing.

The Birmingham opening follows recent openings in Maryland, Arizona and New York.

The company continues to expand its EchoPark footprint. The Birmingham opening follows recent openings in Maryland, Arizona and New York, and Sonic plans to reach a 140-point nationwide distribution network by 2025. By that time, expectations are for it to retail 575,000 vehicles annually and generate $14 billion in EchoPark revenues.

Sonic said the new facility provided EchoPark an opportunity to upcycle the building, refreshing the location with what it described as a bright, welcoming, guest-centric experience.

“We continue our growth into new markets offering a unique alternative to the traditional pre-owned vehicle dealership experience,” the company said.

The company expects EchoPark Birmingham to employ approximately 70 team members when fully staffed.