Diversified
- Client: Rice Toyota
- Architect: WKM & Associates
- Facility Type: Diversified
- Location: Warsaw, IN
- Cost: $5 Million
For more information contact Jay Wilhelm A new Toyota dealership in Kosciusko County represents improved customer service sales for Toyota patrons in Warsaw and neighboring northern Indiana towns. The two nearest dealerships to Warsaw are Fort Wayne and South Bend, both at least an hour’s drive. Dan and John Rice, brothers and owners of the Rice Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership in Warsaw saw a need, listened to customers in their community and provided an answer.
The automobile industry has changed a lot in the last 23 years that John and Dan Rice have been in the business. They have witnessed the sales of import cars increase and believe it will continue to do so. Toyota, a leader among imports, has a reputation for building reliable and gas efficient vehicles, especially important in today’s economy. Over the years, numerous Warsaw residents have lobbied the brothers to partner with Toyota. There are thousands of Toyota owners in the Kosciusko County area. The brothers, along with Dave Illingworth, a long-time acquaintance who retired from Toyota Corporate in 2009, decided the time had come to take advantage of this great market opportunity. Although the Midwest has seen only three new Toyota dealerships established in the last 20 years, Toyota liked the plan the brothers drew up as well as the location, and Illingworth liked the retail experience and knowledge of the Warsaw community that the brothers bring to the table. Illingworth also brings a lot of industry experience to the table. He joined Toyota in 1980 and quickly moved up the ranks making a name for himself all over the country. From 1992 to 1997, he oversaw the marketing and sales of the Camry, the country’s best selling car in 1997.
The 24,000 square foot dealership is on five acres at the corner of State Road 15 and U.S. 30, next to the Rice Brothers’ Ford Lincoln Mercury store, at one of the busiest intersections in Kosciusko County. The dealership will employ 20-30 employees, depending on the economy, and is designed in a way that allows for easy expansion, should the need arise in the future. The facility is home to a sales department, service department, parts department, waiting area with coffee bar, Internet station and kids play area as well as general offices. Its exterior construction consists of architectural aluminum composite panels, full height glass, block wainscot and a focal point at the entrance comprised of an illuminated portal frame entry. The drive-in service entries include full height glass/aluminum overhead doors. The interior finishes consist of a ceramic tile show room and waiting area, high ceilings, display lighting, and a rich color scheme for the paint, casework and accents. Decor includes racing mementos and an upscale contemporary furniture theme. This great addition to the Warsaw community is the 26th Toyota dealership in the State of Indiana.