(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Toyota of San Bernardino has purchased the dealership formerly occupied by Kennedy Cadillac.

Toyota of San Bernardino President Clifford R. Cummings said “The property is smack on the 215 Freeway and will enhance our visibility immeasurably.”

“We are climbing out of the recession; the economy is improving and I am extremely optimistic about the future of the Inland Empire,” said Cummings.

Cummings believes the high visibility 3.9-acre site with more than 44,000 square feet is the perfect place to present the new 21st century-style Toyota dealership, which the Toyota corporation calls Toyota Image USA II.

This is part of Toyota of San Bernardino’s plan to fuel growth and expand market share. Toyota is giving incentives to dealers to build larger stores under its Image USA II architectural plan. The incentives include increased allocations of high demand models, such as Prius, Camry and Scion.

“We are very excited about the relocation of our dealership to continue the revitalization of the San Bernardino Auto Center. There are exciting things happening here and Toyota of San Bernardino is leading the way,” said Cummings.

Over the next 14 months Cummings will redesign and expand the structure to include new divisions, including a body shop and expanded vehicle service department as well as all sales.

Toyota of San Bernardino is a seven-time recipient of Toyota’s President’s Award, one of the highest honors for a Toyota dealership.
“The President’s Award is a testament to our staff’s dedication to satisfying every customer, from the day you buy a Toyota and for as long as you own it,” said Cummings.
The new dealership’s exterior design will have a highly recognizable signature portal for the Toyota brand, Toyota of San Bernardino and the Toyota product lines. The Toyota trademark in red creates a dominant, tasteful impression that is recognizable from a significant distance.

The move begins with an expansion of Toyota of San Bernardino’s new and used car divisions to the site as quickly as the permitting process allows. Other changes will happen over the next 14 months, with all construction expected to be completed by 2012.

“The collision center, also slated to be open ASAP, will be a center-point for job creation and customer service,” stated Cummings.

Peter Welch, president of the Sacramento-based California New Car Dealers Association, said 140 California new-car dealers shut down in 2008, and 92 closed in 2009. In 2010, about 64 GM and 32 Chrysler dealers in the state are expected to close.

Kennedy Cadillac is one of the many automotive dealership casualties of the national recession and Cummings sees that as an opportunity to revitalize and fill an empty building.

“We have expanded our work force by 15 percent since the bottom of the recession. Our plan is to add franchises to the Auto Plaza in order to stimulate job growth and retail sales,” said Cummings.

For more information on Toyota of San Bernardino call (909) 381-4444 or visit ToyotaSB.com

About Toyota of San Bernardino
Since 1966 Toyota of San Bernardino has serviced the Inland Empire’s car buying needs as its premier Toyota dealership. A seven-time recipient of Toyota’s President’s Award, Toyota of San Bernardino continues to earn the highest honors for a Toyota dealership. It is dedicated to satisfying customers – from the day they buy a Toyota and for as long as they own it.

Toyota of San Bernardino is a fast and convenient place where the prompt and courteous sales people help customers find the new Toyota, Scion or used vehicle that’s right for them.
The service department is staffed by courteous factory trained and ASE certified mechanics. Toyota of San Bernardino’s service department utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic machines, computerized equipment and a well-stocked parts department to keep vehicles running their best.
For more information on Toyota of San Bernardino call (909) 381-4444 or visit ToyotaSB.com