McLarty Automotive Group announces expansion in Central Arkansas

McLarty Automotive Group today (Dec. 15) announced a continued expansion in central Arkansas with the acquisition of four automobile dealerships.

Officials announced that the group purchased North Point Nissan, North Little Rock Nissan, North Point Mazda and North Point Volkswagen.

Previously owned by Asbury Automotive, the dealerships will be renamed McLarty Nissan of Little Rock, McLarty Nissan of North Little Rock, McLarty Mazda and McLarty Volkswagen.

“We are excited by this opportunity to continue growing in our home market,” said Mark McLarty, founder and chairman of McLarty Automotive Group.

A 36-year automotive industry veteran, David Surguine will serve as market area executive manager of McLarty Nissan of Little Rock, located at 1 Colonel Glenn Plaza Drive, and McLarty Nissan of North Little Rock at 5703 Landers Road.

Wes Thomas, a 23-year automotive industry veteran, will serve as general manager of McLarty Mazda and McLarty Volkswagen, located at 6030 Landers Road in Sherwood. Both Surguine and Thomas are Arkansas natives who began their careers in Arkansas.

“Our history with these dealerships, the employees and the customers makes this opportunity particularly meaningful,” said CEO Charles Oglesby.

McLarty Automotive Group acquired Bale Honda of Little Rock in 2014 and renamed it Landers McLarty Honda. Today, the dealership is known as McLarty Honda.

In early 2015, it acquired Frank Fletcher Honda of Columbia, Missouri, and renamed it Columbia Honda. In October, it acquired the Joe Machens dealership group, which is the largest in Missouri and operates in Columbia and Jefferson City.