Smith opens Nissan dealership

Smith Nissan’s new state-of-the-art Nissan dealership opened its doors Mar. 5, with Smith officials planning a grand opening event later this spring to celebrate the dealership’s new home.

“It was our vision to build this from the time we purchased the store in 2007. We had plans to do it all along, it was just a matter of the economy recovering,” said John Smith, Jr., president of Smith Auto Group. “It is the first step in our new AutoPark, with new Chevrolet and Cadillac facilities to follow.”

Smith Auto Group is a third generation, family-owned dealership that has been in Fort Smith since 1938. The first location was in downtown Fort Smith. In 1963, the facility was moved to 1215 U.S. 71 South, “on the curve” at Towson and Zero.

John Robben, general manager of Smith Auto Group, detailed some of the innovative features of the new facility.

“The spine design allows a line of sight from the showroom all the way through the service department for full visibility to our sales and service customers,” he explained. “A children’s playroom will keep them happy while their parents work out the details on a deal, and the layout of the service department keeps appearance neat and clean at all times. Smith Auto Group’s goal is two fold; one, to create the best automotive environment for our customers and two, the best work environment for our employees.”

Dealership highlights include a fully equipped service area for electric vehicles with charging stations for the public. Smith Nissan is also a fully certified commercial dealer, one of only two Nissan dealers in the state and the only Nissan dealer in the Fort Smith area and Northwest Arkansas.