Walser Automotive Group’s commitment to addressing the nation’s shortage of skilled automotive technicians reached a tangible milestone last week.

The dealership group joined WSU Tech – Wichita State University’s Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology – in unveiling the Walser Automotive Service Lab, part of a $3 million renovation to WSU Tech’s automotive service facility in Wichita, Kan.

The upgraded 30,000-square-foot space increased the capacity of the school’s automotive programs, including a heavy truck area and an expanded lecture hall.

WSU Tech said the renovation reflects the growing demand for skilled technician training.

In a news release, Walser cited a 2020 study by the TechForce Foundation showing demand for auto technicians outpacing supply by a 3-to-1 margin and estimated 642,000 auto, diesel and collision technicians would be needed by 2024 to fill that demand.

“Walser has made significant efforts to create pathways for emerging technician talent to find a home with us,” Walser Auto Campus senior vice president of dealership operations Randy Lammle said. “WSU Tech has been a vital partner in supporting our techs’ growth through classroom education. Strengthening our relationship with the school was an easy decision.”

The Walser Auto Campus in Wichita includes nine luxury brands and 250 employees, many of whom receive ongoing education through WSU Tech. Walser said the collaboration aims to train and retain the next generation of technicians.

Minneapolis-based Walser Automotive Group operates 26 retail locations in Minnesota, Kansas and Illinois, as well as rental and collision services business in Minnesota, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas and Georgia.

The company said the new Walser Automotive Service Lab is “a significant milestone” in its long partnership with WSU Tech, helping equip both organizations to meet workforce demands.

On its website, WSU Tech said Walser and truck dealership WKI Kenworth contributed “significant investments” in the facility. The state of Kansas and Kansas Board of Regents provided a grant of $1.5 million in operations funds.

“The reopening of our automotive center and the introduction of the Mobile Equipment Technology program demonstrates our commitment to meeting industry needs and equipping our students with practical skills,” WSU Tech president Sheree Utash said. “These partnerships help us provide quality education and valuable workforce development opportunities.”

Funding for Walser’s investment was made possible by a grant through the Walser Foundation, which designates 5% of all pre-tax earnings to support education and workforce development initiatives.

“Investing in the communities where we live and work is key to our mission,” Walser Foundation director Nancy Warner said. “The decision to invest in this multi-year grant ensures WSU Tech students have access to hands-on learning and career readiness.”

HGreg Lux adds a third location

HGreg has opened the third location of its pre-owned luxury car dealership brand HGreg Lux.

The newest addition to the brand is in West Palm Beach. Fla., joining a dealership in South Florida and the recently opened store in Costa Mesa, Calif.

HGreg CEO and president John Hairabedian said the expansion of HGreg Lux into West Palm Beach means “we get to bring a whole new inventory of cars to a community we’ve served since 2019. Finding a luxury car can be more accessible and certainly more enjoyable than you think.”

The company said it invested $30 million in the property and facility, which includes a 10,000-square-foot “state-of-the-art” showroom and 10.6 acres of land.

HGreg touted its Lux brand’s “concierge-like service” and “unmatched selection of luxury cars” and said HGreg Lux West Palm Beach provides same-day delivery, contactless purchasing options, a five-day money-back guarantee, cryptocurrency payment choices and access to a stock of up to 150 inspected pre-owned luxury vehicles.

Canada-based HGreg currently operates more than 35 dealerships in California, Florida and Quebec, Canada.