Encino Land Rover Expansion Under Way

Construction is under way for the remodeling of the Land Rover of Encino dealership on Ventura Boulevard, and is expected to be completed by the end of September.

The 3,400-square-foot project has been in the planning stages for several years. In 2005, plans were withdrawn then significantly scaled down and resubmitted in 2009. Those plans got the green light in December 2010, according to a city official.

Auto Nation Senior Vice President Marc Cannon told Patch that a five- to 10-year plan on any expansion is typical, especially considering the unusual circumstances in the U.S. economy during that time period. He said the Encino Land Rover project going forward, along with several others, is a positive sign the company sees opportunity for growth in California.

“A lot of plans were put on hold. Auto sales were dismal for three years," Cannon said. "Very few people in the industry were doing any investment at all. Last year, we made a strategic decision to go all out with new dealerships and new facilities, including Encino Land Rover. We are spending $150 million in California alone.”

Encino Land Rover's general manager, Linda Terashita, said the remodeling of the dealership, at 15800 Ventura Blvd., will double the size of the showroom, add a 1,600-square-foot mezzanine with a car wash area and give the building a whole new look.

 “The last few years have been a challenge, but we are excited the dealership will now look like the other Land Rover locations, as it should,” Terashita said.

"We want to be good neighbors; we want the community happy to have us, but there are codes etc., that slow the process down," Cannon said. "The dealership is going to really improve the customer experience."