'It was driven by growth': Local auto group announces two major projects in 2023

NORFOLK, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska auto group is preparing for two major growth projects later this year.

Cornhusker Auto Group recently announced plans for the construction of an all-new Nissan dealership to start in April.

In addition, the auto group's Chrysler store will also undergo a major renovation.

The project will create an 18-stall service department and a large parts department equipped with the latest in current technology.

According to the press release, the showroom will be "an amazing virtual and visual experience for our customers, making the car buying experience a one of a kind in our community."

The president of Cornhusker Auto Group Al Rajaee said it was time for the auto dealership to expand in the area.

“It was driven by the growth that we've experienced for the last five years with our Nissan brand," said Rajaee. "Our sales and service has increased tremendously over the years.“

Rajaee said once the new dealership is built, it would provide much more space for not only the team to operate but for customers as well.

"We're going to go from a size of about 10,000 square feet to over 32,000 square feet which will create a tremendous amount of space for us to not only present the brand, our Nissan brand, in the market but to give our customers a shopping experience they've never had," he said.

The goal of finishing the new Nissan dealership is in early 2024.

The combination of these projects will also create an additional 30 jobs in the northeast Nebraska community.

Renovations for the Chrysler store will include the addition of 17,000 square feet to the service department with 24 service bays, the creation of a new service drive and reception area, a larger parts department along with many updates to the showroom.