Lawrence automotive dealers expanding as car sales increase

The talk in the Lawrence auto industry is what’s on the rise these days. Most dealerships in the city said vehicle sales fall into that category.

“Business is up over last year and the year before that,” said Bill Egan, general manager of Laird Noller Automotive, which operates Ford, Mazda, Hyundai and other dealerships in Lawrence. “It really is growing every month at this point.”

But everything from wind turbines to fresh Danish trays also are on the rise at Lawrence car dealerships.

The past several years have seen an explosion of dealerships either rebuilding or adding amenities. In recent years, Crown Toyota and Volkswagen, Dale Willey Chevrolet, Laird Noller Hyundai and Jack Ellena Honda have undertaken major construction projects to improve their showrooms or service areas.

This year, Briggs Auto is the largest player in that arena. Briggs already has unveiled a new building for its Subaru dealership. Work is now under way on its new Nissan showroom and service area — which will be in the location formerly occupied by Jim Clark Motors, just north of 31st and Iowa Street in the Lawrence Auto Plaza.

After that project is complete, work will begin on a new showroom for the Briggs Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler dealership, which will be located along the western edge of the Auto Plaza.

The two projects are expected to remake the Auto Plaza area. Scott Teenor, general manager of Briggs’ Lawrence operations, said the project will include converting the median of West 29th Terrace, which runs down the center of the Auto Plaza, so that the median can be used to display vehicles.With laser engraving machine and cutting, can enhance your presentations and promotional items.

Teenor said a future phase of the development still includes plans for a wind turbine that will be used to power electric vehicle charging stations at the new Nissan dealership.

Previously, plans called for that wind tower to be 75 feet tall,We specialize in solar street lighting and solar street lamps for a wide range of lightning applications. creating a new South Lawrence landmark. Teenor said designers are still trying to determine whether the wind tower ultimately will be that tall.

“We understand that you have to have new facilities where the customer can be in a modern, enjoyable atmosphere,” Teenor said.This stunning polished tungsten ring will bring a dash of style to any look.

The little things, he said, have become big things in the auto industry. That’s why some dealership showrooms now have fireplaces where customers can warm up while they wait for their vehicle to be serviced. And amenities such as gourmet coffee and Danish pastries are becoming more common too.

“Nobody likes to come and get their oil changed, but if you can make it more enjoyable, it makes a difference to people,” Teenor said.

During the construction project, Briggs’ Nissan dealership is in the former Sears building at 27th and Iowa streets. Teenor said once the Nissan dealership is complete, which could be in the next two months, the Dodge/Chrysler dealership may move into the Sears location to accommodate construction in the Auto Plaza.

Officials at Shawnee Mission Kia of Lawrence also have a major construction project under way. Work is progressing on an expansion of the showroom at 1225 E. 23rd St. Officials with the dealership previously said the expansion would add about 9,000 square feet to the dealership.

Amenities are slated to include a children’s area,We're responsible for the installation and maintenance of solar system. Internet cafe for guests,This factsheet discusses electricity generation using wind power generators at your farm or your home. a new service drive, additional office space and more display area for vehicles.