Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville expands as sales volume increases

Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville is adjusting to a 5.5-acre expansion the car dealership completed earlier this year.

The project more than doubled the size of the 10-acre dealership, adding a nearly 6,000-square-foot detail building and a 4,000-square-foot used car building. The new detail building has eight stalls, including two wash bays and an automated car wash. It also has about 1,500 square feet of parts storage, owner Don Nelms said.

When the dealership at 2269 N. Henbest Drive moved to its existing location more than three years ago, it was comfortable for its employees and customers. But as business increased, it became cramped and space to detail more cars was needed.

Before the dealership moved to its existing location, it was selling between 450 and 500 new cars, Nelms said. Last year, the company sold more than 2,000 new cars and 850 used cars. Nearly all the cars it receives are sold in less than 45 days.

“There’s always a shortage of cars,” Nelms said.

The Outback is the dealership’s top selling vehicle, but the Forester is nearly as popular. In mid-2018, Subaru will start selling the seven-passenger Ascent, the largest vehicle it’s produced. The SUV will be built at Subaru of Indiana and only sold in North America.

Nationwide, Adventure Subaru is the 23rd largest dealership in terms of sales volume, Nelms said. In Northwest Arkansas, its market share is about four times greater than the average Subaru dealership.

While he’s uncertain whether another expansion project will be needed at the dealership in the next two years, Nelms expects a third service lane will be added soon.

“We’re not hemmed in,” he said.

Nelms, who has been selling vehicles for more than 45 years, also co-owns Sunrise Guitars, an upscale music store which opened this past fall at Adventure Subaru’s former location.