Palacios, Apatang tour future site of new AK Saipan dealership

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang yesterday went on an exclusive tour of the soon-to-be completed, state-of-the-art Atkins Kroll Saipan Toyota Lexus Showroom and Service Center in Puerto Rico.

Palacios and Apatang were joined by AK leadership and project team members in the future body shop facility behind AK’s Car-O-Liner, one of the most technologically advanced repair equipment and the first in the CNMI.

Tracy Guerrero, AK Saipan’s newly appointed general manager; Clark Boswell, AK general manager and vice president for Guam and Saipan; and Neil Paynter, principal architect for Ari Partners Architecture shared construction progress of the new 43,800-square-foot facility during the tour of the $23-million project which broke ground in March last year. Atkins Kroll anticipates a soft opening by November when all permits are complete.

Palacios indicated that investments such as this one from companies like Atkins Kroll, bring additional optimism and confidence in the economic development and growth of the CNMI.

AK shared that in the coming months, the community will see significant progress to the exterior of the building, roadway improvements, and beautification to the surrounding landscape.

The new dealership and service center will be the first of its kind in the CNMI allowing residents to experience a world-class facility right here at home. Employees will also experience state-of-the-art equipment which will further their development and skillsets.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, aside from being the first dedicated Lexus showroom of AK Saipan, the new dealership will also serve as AK Saipan’s corporate offices and will also house an automotive service and body repair shop that will be able to service personal and commercial vehicles.

For one, the AK Saipan Toyota Lexus Showroom and Service Center’s high-tech vehicle repair shop will be close to 30,000 square feet in area and will include 14 vehicle service bays. The auto body shop, meanwhile, consists of nine repair bays and a contained and fully ventilated internal paint booth. (PR)