Southwest Auto Collection Buys 3-Dealership Complex in Arkadelphia

Southwest Auto Collection of Arkadelphia, led by President Chris Byrd and Owner James Morgan, has purchased Gildner Automotive Group at 1501 N. 10th St. in Arkadelphia. 

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Gildner Ford Lincoln, Gildner Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Gildner Chevrolet Buick GMC are a three-dealership complex on 12.5 acres. They will remain in their current locations but operate as members of the Southwest Auto Collection.

The acquisition was led by Byrd; the seller was Cheryl Gildner.

The dealerships opened as Southwest Ford Lincoln, Southwest Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Southwest Chevrolet Buick GMC on Monday and will be operated on a daily basis by Morgan.

“These dealerships are strategically located in an area where we will be able to serve a large population of this growing community,” Byrd said. “These are all premier American-made products. I believe these manufacturers and their management are definitely on the right track in their product design, safety features, technology, value proposition and ultimately delivering what the customers want in an automobile. We look forward to working with manufacturers to dramatically improve their market share, and we will work with our community leaders to make sure we are able to make this the place to buy and service vehicles for this region of the state.”

Byrd said he thinks the three dealerships will outperform competitors “due to the historical sales and customer satisfaction and our commitment to offer greater selection and value to our customers.”