Crain Automotive to Purchase Steve Smith Country
by July 12, 2013 3:37 pm 272 views
The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal has learned that longtime Springdale car dealer Steve Smith has reached an agreement to sell his car dealership to Crain Automotive Holdings of Sherwood.
A source told the Business Journal that Smith, who owns a Buick and GMC dealership called Steve Smith Country at 6372 W. Sunset Ave., would inform his employees of the agreement Monday morning.
When reached by telephone Friday afternoon, Smith said nothing would be official until the acquisition is approved by General Motors. He said that could take two to three months.
Smith said the dealership, which opened in August 1984, has about 35 employees.
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.
Earlier this year, Crain entered the Northwest Arkansas market when he purchased Kent Dobbs Hyundai at 3558 S. Thompson St. in Springdale and Hyundai of Bentonville at 3000 S.E. Moberly Lane.
A call to CAH headquarters in Sherwood was not immediately returned.