BY MARK RABAGO
Saipan Correspondent
PUERTO RICO, Saipan — Investment into the commercial market is not an everyday event.
Atkins Kroll Saipan took full advantage of such a positive development with a media tour of its facility in Puerto Rico on Nov. 19. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for early next year.
Tracy Guerrero, general manager of Atkins Kroll Saipan, acknowledged the tough economic conditions the Northern Mariana Islands is currently facing. She led the tour of the new $23-million Toyota and Lexus Sales and Service Center.
“I think it goes without saying that it's going to be a challenge. However, this facility was designed for future growth. I think if we look at it in those terms, we may not be able to sell 10 Lexus vehicles right off the bat … but we will down the road eventually,” Guerrero told the Journal.
Atkins Kroll Saipan, an Inchcape Company, started selling Lexus vehicles in August 2023. Prior to that, they had to order the luxury brand car from Guam.
Guerrero said Atkins Kroll Saipan is cognizant of peaks-and-valleys trend of the local economy.
“The economy right now is not in the best of shape, right? But we do know that the Marianas has a history of economic highs and lows. This too shall pass, and we have to have hope,” she said.
Guerrero said the dealership has a two-month inventory of Lexus vehicles, which could be as many as six units.
Guerrero said while Atkins Kroll Saipan’s new car sales used to top its pre-loved vehicles portfolio, the trend has shifted in the past couple of years, fueled by families selling their cars because they decided to move to the U.S. mainland.
“We have seen an uptick in that ratio proportionally and that's typical for any economy that's in kind of a recession period,” she said.
The same occurred in the U.S. mainland, she said.
“What we're seeing, … just anecdotally, because I don't have any data in front of me, but what I understand from our sales associates and from our sales manager, Kevin Barnes, is that a lot of families are relocating to the States. So, they come in and they want to sell their cars.”
Guerrero said AK Saipan currently has 30 used cars in its inventory. Commonwealth Automobile Dealership Association numbers show AK Saipan sold 21 used cars in October 2023 compared to 36 new cars last month.
That is in stark contrast to Guam, Guerrero said, which has a totally different market as the U.S. territory typically sells way more new cars than used cars.
“The economy of Guam is much different than it is here. Wages are higher in Guam, so people are able to afford new cars,” Guerrero said.
As for the ongoing legal tussle with Anaks Ocean View Hill Saipan Homeowners Association, which opposed the dealership being built in Puerto Rico, Guerrero said Atkins Kroll Saipan is doing its best to be a good neighbor.
“There's still ongoing work with the attorneys for both parties, so I can't really speak to that too much.” However, she said, “We have been very thoughtful and meticulous in the design of this facility to make sure that we are being good neighbors.”
Given that the business is a car dealership, and the sound of welding could be heard, she said, “We wanted to make sure that we designed the facility specifically to minimize any disruptions and any peace of quiet, right, for our neighbors,” she said.
During a tour of the facility, Guerrero pointed out that birds can be heard chirping — proving that the Toyota and Lexus Sales and Service Center’s noise-suppression design is working.
In an accompanying press release, Guerrero said the facility’s design prioritizes and enhances the customer experience.
“Both Toyota and Lexus have dedicated showrooms with special customer lounges that elevate the experience and enable personalized interaction. Our service, body shop, parts, and rental counters are in a centralized space for more customer convenience. We also have extensive parking to accommodate all our customers as well as our new and used vehicle inventory,” she said.
With more than 15,000 square meters of space, the new facility encompasses more than 48,000 square feet dedicated to Toyota and Lexus showrooms, office spaces, and a full-service repair and body shop. Inside, customers can access a nearly 27,000-square-foot high-tech vehicle repair shop featuring 12 service bays, advanced detailing areas, and a body shop fully equipped to handle all vehicle maintenance and repair needs.
The dealership’s commitment to environmental sustainability is also present throughout the building and its equipment. Key sustainable features include energy-efficient HVAC systems, rainwater harvesting, and water-saving fixtures, along with plans for future solar panel installations to reduce environmental impact. The exterior includes landscaped green buffer zones, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and Dark Sky-compliant lighting on its windows, which minimizes light pollution and enhances the area’s natural beauty.
All workspaces meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Employees will utilize modernized machinery and next-generation tools allowing them to further develop their skills and capabilities.
Guerrero said the new facility embodies Atkins Kroll’s continued dedication to the NMI and more.
“By bringing Lexus to Saipan and expanding our services to offer world-class automotive solutions, we here at Atkins Kroll reaffirm our role as a key contributor to Saipan’s economic growth and automotive advancements, paving the way for a promising future,” she said.
During the opening period, special discounts and test drives are available. Residents can visit the new facility Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The dealership telephone number is (670) 234-5911. mbj
New auto facility designed for future growth
New auto facility designed for future growth
- Date Posted: Nov 19, 2024
- News: Northern Mariana Islands
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New auto facility designed for future growth