Let’s look at the intersection of the construction and automotive industries. We often stress the importance of flexibility and the willingness to pivot with industry changes. A great example is the automotive sector, which continues to recover from pandemic-related microchip, supply, and labor shortages.
As we round the third quarter of 2024, the automotive industry outlook is positive, with car production increasing and technological advances promising future growth. This positive outlook also benefits the construction industry as opportunities grow for building new automotive factories and dealerships and completing existing infrastructure updates.
At DeSimone, we can’t stress enough the importance of client satisfaction, which, when done well, leads to continued collaboration. Here is a snapshot of our construction journey into the automotive lane and the opportunities that arise from embracing and nurturing client partnerships.
COVID-19 Slammed the Brakes on the Automotive Industry
The automotive industry shut down for several weeks when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. That pause caused a significant rift in progress. As practically the entire country’s driving population parked, the need for new cars slowed, and (as reported by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation) at least 93 percent of U.S. auto manufacturers suspended production.
When the automotive industry reopened a few months later, supply shortages became the next obstacle. Demand for semiconductor chips skyrocketed when virtual learning and remote work became the new normal. With labor shortages exacerbating the supply issue, the automotive industry’s production continued to crawl.
Automotive Resilience & Construction Collaboration
DeSimone is fortunate to have long-standing and resilient client partnerships that continue to experience growth, despite the before-and-after challenges posed by the pandemic.
In the spring of 2018, DeSimone remodeled the entire sales area of Woodbury Nissan and rebuilt the service department from the ground up. This past spring, we were asked to return for enhancements and various modifications.
Woodbury Nissan
rated one of the country’s best Nissan dealers, continues to offer an extensive selection of new and used cars, SUVs, and trucks. As a local shop to DeSimone, we’re thankful to see the work we’ve completed for Woodbury Nissan (“Home of the Repeat Customer”) as we drive by daily.
Auto Lenders
known for selling one-owner used cars, expanded services in many New Jersey and Pennsylvania towns. Our work for Auto Lenders has been game-changing. Some of these dealership expansion projects began prior to the pandemic. Additional builds and renovations followed. One thing is sure, we worked hard to exceed our clients’ expectations on every project.
Cal Automotive
A leasing company of new cars that provides the bulk of inventory of used cars to dealers such as Auto Lenders. The property was designated a local landmark, and in 2019 CAL Auto commissioned DeSimone to transform the property into a new leasing center. Over the course of a year, we added a 7,500 sq ft, modern two-story addition to the existing structure, refinished the front historic facade and original building, and repurposed the existing safe into a second filing room for leases and titles. The new build included a state-of-the-art conference room and full kitchen.
AL Go Call Center
In 2020, Auto Lenders started a new business called AL Go for calling private vehicle owners to purchase vehicles. The company needed a building for this business and fast. Due to our strong rapport, Auto Lenders called DeSimone to complete the task. To expedite the construction process, DeSimone designed a pre-manufactured building, which was completed in six months. The 5,000-square-foot building includes a conference room, several offices, a kitchen, and a lounge area. The new business venture proved to be quite timely and successful, mainly due to the pandemic-related shortage of new cars. The ability to purchase directly from the consumer helped fill the inventory.
Auto Lenders Exton, PA
DeSimone was contracted to complete a full fit-out renovation to turn Otto’s Mini Dealership into another magnificent Auto Lenders. The upgrade included a retail showroom, service area, employee break room, sales and managers’ offices, and conference rooms. External renovations included two new building additions and full exterior facade modifications, with exceptional details such as a glass curtain wall, storefronts with metal span insulated wall panels, new site lights, site parking lot modifications, and custom signage to rebrand the dealership.
Auto Lenders Voorhees, NJ
To expand the onsite inventory at its Voorhees location, Auto Lenders enlisted DeSimone to demolish the existing structures on their 3.5-acre property and redevelop the land to provide 200 new parking spaces. The updated lot took three months to finish and included site lighting, landscaping, and storm-water management. The expansion helped transform the location into a top-two producing dealership for Auto Lenders.
Auto Lenders Berlin, NJ
Facade modifications were all that was needed for the Berlin location. Our partnership with Auto Lenders was growing and when called upon, we were more than happy to oblige.
Auto Lenders of Newtown Square, PA
Auto Lenders engaged DeSimone to revamp its newly leased space in Newtown Square. Initially, the property featured three rundown buildings with significant road frontage and visibility. In less than five months, we revitalized the exterior facades to align with the Auto Lenders brand and renovated the interior of the central building, which now serves as the primary sales and service center for the Newtown Square dealership.
Auto Lenders Corporate Cherry Hill, NJ
As Auto Lenders’ growth required a unified corporate office, the company sought property in Cherry Hill and hired DeSimone to renovate the 30,000-square-foot space.
Auto Lenders Fairless Hills, PA
See the before and after video of the work completed at the Fairless Hills location. The project included interior fit-out changes and a complete facade rebranding. We also restructured the parking lot layout to increase the number of spaces and improve traffic flow.
DeSimone Completes First-Ever Project In the Sunshine State
Auto Lenders Palm Harbor, Florida
After successfully completing five Auto Lenders’ facilities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the company entrusted us with outfitting its first dealership in Florida. The 30,000-square-foot building, once a Honda dealership, was fully rebranded and remodeled. The new Auto Lenders (FL) opened on October 2, 2023, marking our inaugural project in the Sunshine State. We are thankful for this opportunity, which allowed us to expand our reach and capabilities into Florida.
What Does the Future Hold for the Automotive and Construction Industries?
Although it is hard to predict the future, forecasters say the automotive and construction industries face challenges due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and the need for sustainable urban development. As the world transitions toward a greener future, the automotive industry looks ahead, with electric vehicles becoming more mainstream. This shift calls for extensive integration of EV charging infrastructure into urban landscapes, commercial spaces, and residential developments. In order to succeed, the automotive and construction industries will continue to remain flexible and innovative as they work in tandem on this initiative.
