The Southern

CARBONDALE - Ward Auto Group in Carbondale has acquired the Hyundai car dealership in Cape Girardeau.

Ward announced the acquisition Wednesday. The existing dealership, Cape Hyundai on Siemers Drive, will undergo a name change and significant expansion, according to said a spokesperson for the Ward Auto Group.

Ward, co-owned by Ron and Mark Ward, has been in business in Southern Illinois for 25 years. Its main showroom is at 1412 West Main Street in Carbondale. The group sells Chrysler and Kia products and recently began offering Italian motor scooters at its flagship dealership.

Offering Hyundai automobiles makes sense for Ward Chrysler, Mark Ward said.

"The primary guiding principles of Hyundai are exactly the same as those we believe in strongly," he said. "The entire Hyundai product line is premium quality, energy efficient, environmentally sensitive, and perfectly complements our other car lines to give our customers another value-based option to choose from."