Bert Ogden Auto Group Boosts Rio Grande Valley Economy with New Harlingen Dealership Grand Opening

Bert Ogden Auto Group Expands in the Rio Grande Valley with New Dealership In a strategic move poised to benefit consumers and the local economy, the Bert Ogden Auto Group has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, and Jeep (CDR+J) dealership in Harlingen, Texas. This event signifies the group’s ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experiences and supporting economic growth in South Texas. Relocation and Modernization: Enhancing Customer Experience The newly launched dealership, situated at 8626 W. Expressway 83 Frontage, replaces its former downtown location. By providing a modern and comprehensive customer experience, the facility aims to uphold the market strengths of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM, each known respectively for innovation, performance, SUV leadership, and robust trucks. Natasha del Barrio, CEO of Bert Ogden Auto Group, expressed her excitement at the opening ceremony, noting, “This store has been long in the making. It is more than we ever conceived or dreamed that it would be. And we’re just so excited to be operating in the city of Harlingen.” Positive Impact on the Local Economy The opening of the new dealership is more than just a commercial venture. It symbolizes a substantial investment in the local economy of the Rio Grande Valley, with significant implications for businesses and Valley residents alike. The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce credits the Auto Group for creating over 1,000 jobs within the region, highlighting its role as an economic driver. An RGV Hispanic Chamber representative emphasized the group’s impact, stating, “They have created over a thousand jobs here in the Rio Grande Valley. Can you imagine the economic impact that they have done?” Strategic Positioning for Growth Bert Ogden Auto Group commands an impressive 30% share of the Rio Grande Valley’s automotive market, operating 25 dealerships and offering a diverse range of brands. The new Harlingen dealership’s high visibility location and strategic positioning are expected to reinforce its status among top-performing CDR+J stores in the region. General Manager Joseph Norman remarked on the dealership’s alignment with Stellantis’ strategic repositioning of U.S. brands: “I am unbelievably excited to be working back with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM again. The brand is awesome. It’s moving in the right direction. They are rebranding,” Norman said. Reflecting on Community Engagement and Future Prospects The new facility embodies Bert Ogden Auto Group’s strategy of combining high-visibility locations with a community-focused approach. The imposing U.S. flag visible from the expressway serves as a landmark for the store, which is expected to become a significant hub for CDR+J enthusiasts. Chairman Robert Vackar highlighted the importance of engaging with community stakeholders: “I look to each and every one of you for feedback, and I want your feedback more so now as we’re getting bigger than we ever have.” The dealership’s opening fits into a broader pattern of local economic expansion, offering a glowing example of how private enterprises can align growth strategies with community interests to foster regional prosperity. Fostering Local Relationships and Future Growth The economic ripple effects of such developments extend beyond immediate job creation. They contribute to a fertile ground for small businesses and vendors, potentially sparking further investment and innovation in the region. As Bert Ogden Auto Group continues to expand, its engagement with local entities may define future collaborations within the South Texas business ecosystem. Projects like this resonate with the broader ambitions of community leaders and business stakeholders determined to promote commerce at all levels. Richard Lipsey, former General Manager involved in the dealership’s development, noted, “There’s a wave that’s going forward right now with the brand. And the brand is starting to get some wind beneath its wings.” As the Bert Ogden CDR+J dealership settles into its new home, its effects will likely echo across the Valley, reinforcing a narrative of something more than just economic prosperity—a narrative of a community growing, adapting, and thriving together. This significant event underlines how thoughtful market expansion can meet the needs of the present while laying the groundwork for an even brighter future for the Rio Grande Valley community.