EchoPark Automotive opens in Long Beach, California

Launched in the fall of 2014, EchoPark Automotive has transformed how consumers buy used cars, offering a better way to purchase pre-owned vehicles. EchoPark’s goal has always been to break the stereotype of the used-car dealership. The EchoPark guest experience is unlike that in traditional used-car stores. Each retail space is a welcoming, enjoyable atmosphere with an open concept that combines physical space and digital technology – a ‘phygital’ environment. EchoPark guests participate in the sales process with one dedicated experience guide to assist them, and they do not have to haggle over pricing. One-to four-year-old vehicles are priced 20-40 per cent below new-car pricing. All vehicles come with a clean CarFax history report and 190-point inspection.

“Our EchoPark business is experiencing rapid nationwide growth, a great testament to our model and the value of exceeding customer expectations,” said David Smith, chief executive officer of Sonic Automotive and EchoPark Automotive. “Our outstanding associates and groundbreaking mix of both online and in-store guest experience continue to define what a pre-owned car-buying experience should be, often drawing out-of-state car buyers looking for the best possible deal. By truly understanding our guests’ needs and creating a welcoming environment, we can pair customers with the right vehicles at below-market prices. We’re looking forward to bringing our unique customer experience to the Southern California market.”

“Entering the Southern California market and bringing California car buyers the open and relaxed guest experience that has made us successful, along with our ultra-competitive low pricing, is very important to our mission and vision as a business,” said Jeff Dyke, president of Sonic Automotive and EchoPark Automotive. “EchoPark Long Beach will serve a robust automotive market and, as always, deliver on our brand promise of value, honesty, and transparency.”

A core principle for EchoPark Automotive is making a strong commitment to the communities in which its stores are located. The EchoPark team has partnered with the Long Beach Rescue Mission to prepare and serve hot meals to the homeless in the Long Beach community. EchoPark will have a vehicle at the new location that the team and the local community can fill with everyday items like clean socks, bedding, and canned goods throughout the month of December. Items will then be donated to the mission as part of the drive to ‘Fill Our Car, Fill A Need’.

“Our goal as a business is more than just selling cars, it’s becoming part of the Long Beach community,” said Mike Bell, general manager. “We look forward to providing an outstanding customer experience to our new guests and also understand the key to being a responsible local business requires an investment in the people and community in which we are now a part of.”

The new dealership is located at 2998 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, California, and will employ approximately 65 team members. EchoPark Automotive is conscious of the impact it has on the environment and surrounding community. Through creativity and elbow grease, the facility development team was able to take an existing facility and transform it into a space that empowers guests to shop the way they want and at their desired pace with a nod to the California lifestyle. Rather than tearing down, the team brought this facility back to life, ready to welcome Southern California guests into the EchoPark family.