Wickstrom Chrysler in Barrington to expand

Demonstrating a significant recovery in the auto industry, Wickstrom Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Barrington is about to add 20,000 square feet to its current 13,000-square-foot building.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. today at the dealership at 660 W. Northwest Hwy.

“The auto industry is actually doing well right now,” dealer partner Colin Wickstrom said. “The used-car market is actually the best it’s ever been, and the new-car market is also doing well.”

Since 2009 — a recognized low point for the industry — sales at Wickstrom Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram have grown 126 percent, while sales at Wickstrom’s neighboring Ford and Lincoln dealership are up 102 percent.

While the recession did cause some dealerships to go under — including Barrington’s prior Dodge dealership that Wickstrom Auto Group then took over — those that survived are now thriving, Wickstrom said.

Domestic cars in particular are enjoying a surge, with Chryslers having outsold Toyotas last month, he said.

Among the factors that helped Wickstrom Auto Group survive the economic downturn was that it already was well-capitalized, while the tough credit market made times difficult for those that weren’t, Wickstrom said.

Also, the family business has been in Barrington for more than a quarter century and has enjoyed a lot of repeat business during that time, he added.

Barrington Village President Karen Darch said it’s good news for any business to be expanding and thriving, but car dealerships are a particular boon for communities in terms of the sales tax they generate, which helps keep other taxes for services low.

The addition will include increased showroom space and corporate training rooms. Elgin-based Triumph Construction Services Corp. has been hired to build the addition.

Jamie Kline, Triumph’s project manager, said the expansion of a car dealership still is a rare development in this economy, even if the industry is improving.

Similar to the auto industry, he said, construction firms like his that survived the recession also are doing better by running leaner and finding the right niche in the market.

Expansion of the parking lot on Wickstrom’s 22-acre property will take about four to six weeks, with completion of the building itself to be done in about six to eight months.