Kent Dobbs Sells NWA Dealerships to Crain Automotive
by January 3, 2013 8:46 am 434 views
Crain Automotive Holdings announced late Wednesday an expansion into the Northwest Arkansas market with the purchase of Hyundai dealerships in Springdale and Bentonville.
Chris Crain, the president of Crain Automotive, announced the purchase of Kent Dobbs Hyundai at 3558 S. Thompson St. in Springdale and Hyundai of Bentonville at 3000 S.E. Moberly Lane.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 2, Crain Automotive began operating the dealerships as Crain Hyundai of Springdale and Crain Hyundai of Bentonville.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Kent and Connie Dobbs of Springdale were the previous owners of both dealerships.
The Bentonville dealership is an 18,670-SF building built in 2007.
The Springdale property is a 16,300-SF building built in 2001.
“We’ve been successful with our two Hyundai franchises in central Arkansas, and believe we will carry that success into Northwest Arkansas,” Crain said in a statement. “I believe the Hyundai brand is definitely on the right track … and we look forward to working with Hyundai to dramatically improve Hyundai’s market share in Northwest Arkansas.
Crain Automotive operates seven franchised dealerships in central Arkansas, with franchises ranging from Hyundai, Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Kia and Mazda. The company also operates an RV dealership.
Crain Automotive is led by Larry Crain Sr., Chris Crain, his son, and Chris Byrd.
David Schell, according to a release, will remain as the general manager of Crain Hyundai of Springdale.
Steve Hawkins will serve as the general manager of Crain Hyundai of Bentonville.