Thompson Breaks Ground for Willow Grove Lexus Dealership

WILLOW GROVE, Pa. - Dec. 31, 2015 - PRLog -- Representatives from The Thompson Organization broke ground on December 18 for their first automotive dealership in Montgomery County: Thompson Lexus of Willow Grove.

Jack Thompson, president of the Thompson Organization; Laura Thompson Barnes vice president of the Thompson Organization; John G. Thompson, vice president of the Thompson Organization and George Wirth, general manager of the Thompson Organization were joined by Lexus representatives, Montgomery County commissioners and turnpike officials at the ceremonial ground breaking for the new Lexus dealership, scheduled to be completed in approximately one year.  Thompson Lexus of Willow Grove will be the family's second Lexus dealership.  Their first, located in Doylestown, is one of the original Lexus dealerships in the US.  Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager, spoke about the selection process for Lexus dealerships when the brand was new:  "Back then we selected dealers based on customer care, how much they gave back to the community and enhanced our brand.  That's why we selected  Jack Thompson."

The new 42,000-square-foot, two story Willow Grove facility will house a state of-the-art showroom, an enclosed new vehicle delivery area and service reception drive, a customer lounge and café, 26 service bays, a car wash, service and parts departments, and administrative offices.  The dealership is expected to bring approximately one hundred new jobs to the area.  The design uses energy-saving technologies throughout, including  LED lighting, hallway and stairway lighting that brightens when motion sensors detect movement and recycling of used oil for heating purposes.

"We worked really hard to make the design in keeping with Willow Grove." Laura Thompson Barnes explained.  "It will be a dealership unlike any other dealership that's being built.  There will be a lot of technology, like an enclosed service drive and indoor new car delivery so customers won't have to be exposed to the elements if they don’t' want to be.  It will be comfortable - very comfortable.  Upscale, but still very comfortable."

The new Lexus of Willow Grove will be located near the turnpike interchange, on 10-acres that are the former site of the George Washington Motel.  In addition to Bracken, Lexus representatives Steve Hearne, vice president and dealer development; Greg Kitzens, general manager Lexus Eastern; and Damon Rose, assistant general manager Lexus Eastern attended the ceremonial groundbreaking.  Also on hand were John DenBleyker, vice president and general manager for Penn Valley Constructors, general manager; John Shortall of JVS Architects; and Upper Moreland Township Commissioners Bud Tucker, Kevin Spearing, Joe Lavalle and Kip McFatridge.

McFatridge noted that the Thompson family's involvement in the community was a factor in the township's decision to approve permits for the new business.    "… when Thompson came in to pitch their selling points it wasn't even about the car dealership, it was about the family - the  community efforts, the things they do for Doylestown.  The Thompsons are so involved.  Thanks for what you've done in Doylestown and we hope you'll continue it down here."

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In business since 1969, The Thompson Organization includes Thompson Toyota, Scion, Lexus, BMW, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Thompson Rent A Car, located at Routes 313 and 611 in Doylestown, as well as the Thompson Detail Center located on North Broad Street in Doylestown, the Thompson Collision Center located on Route 611 in Plumsteadville, and Thompson Volkswagen, Porsche of Bucks County, and Audi Warrington, located on Route 611 in Warrington.