Prince Automotive Plans New GM Dealership in Lee County
Monday, October 22nd, 2012
Prince Automotive Group broke ground last week on its new six-acre dealership site at Ledo Road and Grand Isle Road in Lee County. The 30,400 square foot facility will sell and service four General Motors brands – Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC. It will replace the Prince Chevrolet dealership on Slappey Blvd. in Albany.
"Our investment in a new dealership speaks to the strength of the GM brand and the strength of the products we see coming," said Jay Prince who is the son of Prince Automotive founder John Prince III.
"The Dougherty and Lee County area needs an upgraded GM dealership to compete effectively with foreign car makers. We'll have all new equipment for service, including lifts and diagnostic equipment."
The purchase of and plans for the new site have been in the works for a while, according to Prince. The acquisition of a new GMC franchise in the last few weeks helped finalize plans to create a new space for a four-brand dealership.
"Three years ago, we were just Chevrolet; then we acquired Buick and Cadillac. With the lease on our Slappey Blvd. site ending in February 2013, we started considering our options," Prince said.
For nearly 50 years, Prince Automotive Group has served Tifton and more recently Valdosta, Douglas and Albany through seven dealerships representing numerous automakers including General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda and Mazda. John Prince oversees the day-to-day operations along with his son Jay, daughters Heather and Heidi as well as their spouses.
Keeping it Local
According to Prince, a local civil engineering firm did the site and facility plans and a local site work vendor is doing the dirt work. A bid for a general contractor is in the works and Prince hopes a local firm will win that business as well.
"We like to keep it local and do business with the people who do business with us," Prince said.
The new facility will have 24 service bays and onsite parking for 330 cars. Current plans call for completion in June 2013.
Representing the GM image
The new Prince dealership will conform to the General Motors facility image program, which creates a consistent look for dealers across the U.S. The blue building portal is a major element of the Chevrolet image but the program also encompasses interior and exterior signage, floor plans and facility finishes and furnishings.
"The new facility will provide the best possible dealership experience to our customers," Prince said.
More information on Prince Automotive Group Albany is available at princechevroletalbany.com or call (229) 299-5143.
