Superior Auto Announces Formal Statement of Ethics

Superior Automotive Group of Fayetteville has made an official addition to its associate handbook by formally introducing a statement of ethics and appropriate behavior policy.

The three-page document went into effect Jan. 1, and all vendors, suppliers and outside service providers have been made aware of the new policy and procedures. It renews a commitment the company has to make sure its associates, suppliers and customers are treated with high ethical standards when buying, selling or negotiating with a SAG dealership.

D’Mar Phillips, SAG’s director of human resources, said this is the first time the company’s position has been formally outlined in writing, as opposed to simply being taught at the dealership level by long-term associates or by the ownership directly.

“The new initiative is that we are formally rejecting all gifts and gratuities,” Phillips said. “We still have manufacturer incentives and programs which are acceptable, we’re just taking a stronger stance.”

SAG, led by principals David Slone, Travis Woods, Avis Bailey and Mike Lemons, was founded in 1987. The auto business is comprised of 14 dealerships and two body shops, all in Arkansas. Brands range from BMW, Mazda, Mercedes and Cadillac, to Nissan, Hyundai, Buick/GMC, KIA/Mitsubishi, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep and Ford.

Phillips declined to provide any of SAG’s financial information, but added the company expected a record sales year in 2014.

In October, SAG moved into a new central office at 4476 Waterside Court in Fayetteville. The company bought the vacant three-story building, known as the Waterside Business Center, in May for $2.92 million.

The 21,000-SF office supports all the SAG dealerships, including the tractor segment of the business, Kubota.