A new addition is on its way to the auto corridor along Aiken-Augusta Highway.
The Stokes Hodges Auto Group is building a massive facility to house its Kia dealership in North Augusta, at the former site of Taylor Toyota, said executive director Greg Hodges.
The auto retailer is in the process of moving its Kia of Augusta dealership at 1770 Gordon Hwy. to the new building across the river.
“We actually looked into purchasing the Hyundai building,” said Hodges, referring to what is now the location of nearby Terry Lambert Hyundai. Hodges said the company had its sights on that building after Alan Reuber scrapped a project to open a Hyundai franchise there. Then MCE Automotive bought the property last May and brought in Nissan of Greer director Terry Lambert to run it.
Stokes Hodges then considered the location of Taylor Toyota (not to be confused its neighbor, Murphy Auto Group’s Miracle Toyota) to move its Kia dealership. Hodges said that the auto group ultimately decided not to pursue the Hyundai building because its size was not a good fit for the Kia store’s business plan.
“So we started exploring options at that point, and bought the old Taylor Toyota dealership there, and decided to tear it down and start from scratch,” said Hodges.
Construction on the 45,000 square foot building for the North Augusta Kia began in April of this year. The facility will sell and serve new and used Kia vehicles, with 24 bays in its auto shop and three service reception lanes.
Hodges expects the construction to be complete in April 2023. The auto retailer is currently leasing its Kia of Augusta building, which it sold last year. Hodges said the employees at that facility will be moved to North Augusta site, and that hiring for new technicians and sales associates should start as it prepares to open the new dealership, at 5425 Jefferson Davis Hwy., in May 2023.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
