Jim Marsh adds new marques to dealership

Boosting the already notable Chrysler and popular Jeep lineups as well as recently opening a 44,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art collision and body shop, Jim Marsh announced he is adding three manufacturers to his automotive dealership on West Centennial Parkway.

"We were looking to augment the domestic lines we've had for years," said Marsh, who's marking more than 30 years in the automotive business in the Las Vegas Valley. "Plus, these new products give us an added entry level for our customers we didn't have before."

Marsh recently acquired Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Kia dealerships, which include 150 vehicles, parts, tools and other marque-specific equipment from two local franchisees. All three are now available, along with the established Chrysler Jeep dealership, at the northwest location. Before the end of the year, however, Marsh hopes to announce a fourth addition, the Mahindra brand that is made in India and features turbo-diesel passenger cars.

Needless to say, auto sales are in a slump, down approximately 47 percent in Las Vegas, according to Marsh. "But, we're certainly hoping these choices will help make up for our down volume. I do see 2009 as a challenge that will start to improve toward the end of the year. It has to improve. There's nowhere to go but up."

With that brand of confidence, Marsh is banking not only on the reputations of his new offerings, but also on the dealership's continued high-mark customer service. "That is the hallmark of our business, great customer service and the ability to take care of all aspects of automotive repair," said Marsh, who has added a third adviser to the service department team.

On the property, customers can see many Mitsubishi models including the popular Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder, the ultra-affordable Lancer and the highly street-modified Lancer Evolution, as well as crossover vehicles Outlander and Endeavor and the Raider pickup truck.

Marsh hopes the Suzuki models, such as the Aerio, Equator, Forenza, Grand Vitara or the SX4 crossover, will attract the young, sporty customer with an eye for value.

With its new models, Kia is capturing a large segment of the current automotive market share and is on its way to becoming the fastest growing, Marsh noted. Kia's current offerings include the Spectra, Sportage SUV and Sedona minivan. Some of the brand's future plans include the all-new Soul crossover and a sporty convertible.

Making room for everyone is also in the works, according to Marsh. Within the next 18 to 24 months, ground will be broken for new showroom space on three acres adjacent to the current dealership.

Jim Marsh is located at 8555 W. Centennial Parkway. For more information, call 946-1000 or visit www.jimmarsh.com.