Page 24 - Lets Make Waves December 2018

History: Classic Automotive

Group of Galveston
W In 2016 Classic Auto Group Galveston purchased a collision
Classic Auto Group Galveston Collision Center
hen Howie Bentley and partner Tom Durant
purchased the Sand Dollar Autoplex in January
2012 and renamed it Classic Auto Group Galves- center less than a mile from the dealership on Harborside and
ton, the popular dealership was still recovering
from Hurricane Ike and had just 183 vehicles in stock and 57 made capital investments to update the building, parking lot and
added new equipment, lifts and paint booths. And last year
employees. Today Classic Auto Group Galveston has 1200 vehi- Classic Auto Group Galveston acquired an additional 2.5 acres
cles in stock and 120 employees. on Broadway (which Ron Hoover Marine currently occupies)
with plans to expand further. With the future expansion Classic
Renovations Auto Group of Galveston will occupy 39.5 total acres.

“The dealership we purchased was old, out
of date and in massive need of improve-
ment”, explains Howie. To that end Bentley
and Durant invested in substantial capital
improvements to modernize the dealership
and provide customers the comforts and
conveniences they deserve when shopping for a vehicle or hav-
conveniences they deserve when shopping for a vehicle or hav-
ing their vehicle serviced. Howie has completely renovated the Classic Auto Group Galveston Collision Center Facilities
ing their vehicle serviced. Howie has completely renovated the
GM store, the Ford store and the Ford service facility, which
GM store, the Ford store and the Ford service facility, which
now has 18 bays.
now has 18 bays. Customer Experience

The Toyota store went through a thorough renovation in 2018 Focusing on the customer experience and maintaining a relaxed
with upgrades to the showroom, a new parts and service facility and inviting environment has brought tremendous success to
with 14 bays, brand new equipment and additional customer the dealership in terms of both sales and recognition by the
parking. Plans are underway to renovate the Honda store in manufacturers. Since 2012 Classic Auto Group Galveston has
2020. doubled their new and used sales volume, from 1894 units in
2012 to 3822 units in 2017. Classic has received the GM Mark
of Excellence award for 6 consecutive years for each of the GM
brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac. Classic
has also received numerous awards for customer sales and ser-
vice satisfaction for all seven brands, (Ford, Chevrolet, GMC,
Buick, Cadillac, Toyota and Honda). Classic has been voted as
“Best Auto Dealer in Galveston County every year since 2012.
Toyota Service Waiting Lounge

Toyota Showroom Toyota Service Bays Ford Showroom Ford Service Advisor Stations
24 | Waves Magazine | December 2018 Issue