Henderson Hyundai marks decade of selling

It started with Ben Stepman in the 1970s. Stepman sold cars from 460 N. Boulder Highway in Henderson, helping put the city on the map.

Then, in 2002, Frank Maione purchased the building and began selling an "up and coming" brand called Hyundai.

"We knew that we would do well with this franchise, but we didn't know back then that Hyundai Motors of America would begin to manufacture such world-class cars. It's been a great ride," Maione said.

More people are interested in Hyundai products than ever before, he said. As the reputation about Hyundai quality grew, so did the dealership. In 2009, Buck Henderson came on the scene. Buck helped put a voice and a face to the different experience customers could expect at Henderson Hyundai.

"He represents our simple values of honesty and straight talking," said Kip Fluth, sales manager at Henderson Hyundai.

"We don't have the typical high-pressure approach that you might find at the auto mall or elsewhere in Las Vegas. So it's a no-brainer that people like to come here to shop and test drive. We consult with our customers and walk through walls to get them what they want. We then give them the best possible price - that's how you become the No. 1 Hyundai dealer in Nevada," Fluth said.

Even beyond price, Henderson Hyundai supports its customers with extras not found at other dealerships. Every new Hyundai comes with free oil changes and car washes for life. Customers are even able to "borrow Buck's truck" if they ever need to move something that won't fit in their Hyundai.

"Everyone needs a truck now and again to move an overstuffed couch or whatever - now our customers have a friend with a truck," said Cole Cloninger, Internet director at the dealership. "People love that."

In May of 2011, Henderson Hyundai celebrated the grand opening of its new 40,000-square-foot showroom .

Henderson Hyundai continues to grow and connect with its customers.

"We have a lot of return customers and that is the best compliment we can receive as a dealership. People so enjoyed their first car purchase that they come back to buy their second and even third new car from us," Fluth said.

Henderson Hyundai will continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs and expectations of Hyundai shoppers.

"We want to be the No. 1 dealer in the country. We can only get there by continuing to deliver great cars at a great price. But on top of that, we will offer additional benefits at Henderson Hyundai that no one else will," Maione said.