Nation’s largest Nissan facility opens in Houston

A car dealership whose owners are calling it the largest Nissan outlet in the country recently opened in Texas where, as is well known, everything is said to be bigger.

In this case, it may well be true. Central Automotive Group’s Central Houston Nissan recently opened on a 16-acre parcel along the 610 loop and celebrated its grand opening June 12. The dealership building spans 162,500 SF.

Built by Harvey Construction, the dealership was designed by Kirksey Architects, and has some customer-focused features that are likely to be interesting to car buyers. Those features include two coffee bars, a refreshment area, three lounges, an entertainment center, and a children’s play area.

Other unique amenities of the dealership include a climate-controlled service drive, said to be singular among Houston auto dealerships; a collision center staffed with professionals certified in aluminum repair; and lifetime loaner vehicles.

“This facility will allow us to provide our customers an unprecedented level of service and a buying experience that is second to none,” said Fernando J. Somoza, platform president and managing partner of Central Automotive Group. “We look forward to the reaction of both our existing and new Nissan customers. The facility itself is stunning, and we’re incredibly proud of the work that has gone into this project.”

The dealership is sort of its own micro-economy, in that it employs so many directly and indirectly. With more than 200 employees, Central Houston Nissan is the main hub for Central Automotive Group, which includes three other Nissan dealerships and other locations as well.

The Houston-based Central Automotive Group is a family owned firm that services and sells Cadillacs and Nissans in Texas. It has 10 locations representing 14 franchises in Houston, San Juan and Austin, Texas. The company has been in business for more than 40 years.