ROGERS, Ark. -

Several noteworthy events happened in August of 1981, including the launch of MTV, IBM beginning sales of personal computers running the Microsoft operating system, the end of strike in Major League Baseball and the start of the buy-here, pay-here industry journey of America’s Car-Mart.

Now one of the largest publicly held automotive retailers, Car-Mart is commemorating its 40th year in business this month. Back in 1981, the company set out a vision to help credit-challenged customers find a vehicle that makes a difference in their lives.

Founder Bill Fleeman opened the first Car-Mart in a converted Dog n’ Suds fast food operation in Rogers, Ark. According to a company news release, that store featured quality, used vehicles and flexible financing.

The company said Fleeman’s purpose was to provide a good value for the customers’ money.

Now with more than 2,000 associates, 151 dealerships in 12 states and more than 88,000 customers, Car-Mart emphasized that its vision has never wavered from its mission of earning the repeat business of its customers by providing quality vehicles, affordable payment terms and excellent service.

“This is an incredible milestone for our company, our associates and our customers,” Car-Mart president and chief executive officer Jeff Williams said in the news release. “Over four decades of change in the used-car industry, one thing has remained the same. We have stayed true to our roots, always focused on giving customers peace-of-mind by keeping them on the road and helping them succeed.

“And we could not have achieved our outstanding success without the dedication and hard work of our talented associates at Car-Mart. Their passion for helping people comes through in everything they do,” Williams continued.

“So, as we celebrate this milestone, we are proud of our achievements, and we look forward to the next 40 years of taking care of customers and ensuring we earn their repeat business,” he went on to say.

For more information about Car-Mart’s 40th anniversary, go to Car-Mart.com.