Findlay adds two states to its collection

Findlay Automotive Group demonstrated its continued confidence in the American economy by expanding into two Northwest states.

Findlay Automotive Group, founded more than 50 years ago in Las Vegas by the late Pete Findlay, bought a building for a Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram automobile dealership in Wilsonville, Ore. Renovations are in process; an October opening date is planned.

The company also acquired another Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership in Post Falls, Idaho.

With dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and now Oregon, Findlay Automotive includes 28 new vehicle dealerships. The company, headquartered in Henderson, includes 17 dealerships in Nevada.

The new Oregon dealership is in Wilsonville, about 18 miles south of downtown Portland. The 180,000-square-foot building was the previous corporate headquarters and distribution center for Hollywood Video.

“Chrysler had identified the building as a potential dealership,” Findlay Automotive Group Chief Financial Officer Tyler Corder said. “We have long wanted an opportunity to represent the Chrysler brand were thrilled when this opportunity was presented.”

Converting the building, a huge warehouse with an office building in the front, into an automobile dealership has presented challenges.

“We’ve been able to use our imagination to turn the space into a showroom and service facility. We think it’s going to be a great dealership with some unique features,” said Corder, who has been with Findlay Automotive Group for 20 years. “In line with our tradition of always promoting from within our company, we have named longtime employee Bruce Schneider as the general manager of Findlay Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.”

Schneider has been with the group for about 15 years in several positions. Most recently he was coordinating the group’s Internet sales.

Acquisition of the Idaho dealership closed in early September. The new Findlay Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram is adjacent to Findlay Hyundai and Findlay Nissan in the Interstate 90 Autoplex.

Corder said John Gervais has been named general manager of the newly purchased store in Idaho.

The world’s largest Chrysler dealership is 46 miles from the new Findlay store, presenting a challenge.

“We’re looking forward to growing our business in the Post Falls area,” Corder said. “We opened our first store there in 2007 and we’re looking forward to increasing our presence in the community.

“Trucks are a big part of the market in Idaho and we expect the Jeep and Dodge/Ram truck lineup to do great in that area.”

In Northern Nevada, Findlay Automotive unveiled its new Land Rover Jaguar facility on South Virginia Street adjacent to Findlay’s Audi Reno Tahoe store.

The group bought the Land Rover franchise in Reno in July 2013 and immediately went to work on a new facility for the addition of Jaguar.

“We have been successful with Land Rover in Southern Nevada,” Corder said. “So the acquisition of the Reno Land Rover franchise made good sense. Jaguar was not in the market, so its addition was another tremendous opportunity for the group.”

The new dealership’s grand opening was Aug. 7 and was attended by many notables including Jaguar/Land Rover President Joe Eberhardt and Reno Mayor Bob Cashell.

The dealership’s manager is Marc Shephard.

Corder said Findlay Automotive Group will continue to look at opportunities for growth especially in markets where Findlay dealerships are situated.

For further information about the company, visit www.findlayauto.com.