Rath Auto Resources opens car dealership in Springdale

Fort Smith-based Rath Auto Resources has opened a car dealership and full-service Meineke Car Care Center at 3558 S. Thompson St. in Springdale.

The used car dealership is operating an inventory of about 90 vehicles, but the plan is to expand to 120 vehicles, general manager David Rath said.

Rath’s father owns Rath Auto Resources. Larry Rath, who previously owned the Putnam franchise of new car dealerships in Fort Smith, has had his eye on opening a Northwest Arkansas location and was waiting for the right time to enter the market. David Rath, who’s lived in Fayetteville for more than two years, was commuting to the Fort Smith dealership.

David Rath has worked in the automobile industry since 2011, when Rath Auto Resources was established. “I’m third generation in the business,” he said. “It’s all my dad’s ever done.”

The Springdale dealership and shop opened July 1, and as people have started finding out about it, business has been picking up, he said.

“We are super excited to be a part of the Northwest Arkansas community,” he said. “We look forward to bringing the same level of sales and service excellence to the Northwest Arkansas area that we have built and maintained in the River Valley.”

Between the shop and the dealership, 15 employees will work at the new location, including a non-commissioned sales staff of seven.

Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. The shop is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The shop offers maintenance and repair work on vehicles from cars to big rigs.