Findlay Subaru store opens Monday

Findlay Automotive Group's second-oldest franchise will officially open the doors on a new building at 5385 W. Sahara Ave. Monday, when Findlay's Subaru of Las Vegas begins operations in a 14,030-square-foot dealership.

"We are absolutely excited about our new home," said dealership general manager Burton Hughes, who has been in the car business for 15 years and with Findlay for four years.

Findlay's Subaru of Las Vegas was situated at 2025 S. Decatur Blvd. for nearly three years. Even while operating in a 40-year-old building, dealership sales were up 22.5 percent for 2008.

"With a new environment and state-of-the-art stores, this is a refreshing change," said Hughes, 51. "It is one of Subaru's new 'Signature' stores, meaning it incorporates the latest design elements such as an airy two-story showroom with a glass front, along with a flow that includes a customer waiting area while also conjoining both sales and service."

The service department will include 12 service bays, an increase over the old store's capacity.

"The new store has every possible element necessary for a Subaru store," said Hughes. "It's beautifully designed and equipped with everything from all of our vehicle lines to easy access."

The Subaru of Las Vegas store will hold a grand opening promotion during President's Day weekend. On Saturday, Feb. 14, the dealership will host a barbecue with free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and refreshment from noon until 3 p.m. A radio remote with KMXB FM Mix 94.1 has been scheduled Monday, Feb. 16, from 1-3 p.m.

In 2008, Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas earned Subaru Stellar Performers Certification, having voluntarily addressed all customer and owner "touch points" within the dealership, while also setting plans to meet and exceed customer expectations. The certification includes various departments including new car sales, parts, service, finance and insurance, preowned vehicle sales, marketing and human resources.

"On behalf of Subaru of America, we want to congratulate Cliff Findlay and the Findlay organization on the completion of his all new Subaru Signature facility," said Tony Graziano, regional vice president of Subaru of America Southwest Region. "Being centrally located in this important market, the new store will enhance the already terrific experience and convenience that Subaru customers have enjoyed. Subaru was the only manufacturer to post a sales gain in 2008, led by the Forester, which was named the Motor Trend sport utility (vehicle) of the year award winner.

"The team at Subaru of Las Vegas has been a big part of our success as evidenced by their sales increase in '08."

Subaru of America Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling all-wheel drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics.

Further information regarding Findlay's Subaru of Las Vegas can be found at www.subaruoflasvegas.com or by calling 495-2100.

Findlay Automotive Group was founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay, who opened Pete's Used Cars on Boulder Highway before securing an Oldsmobile franchise. Businesses are now headed by his son, Cliff, who oversees car operations in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho.