In a time when the auto industry across the country could be better, Countryside is seeing a boost in its dealerships.

Despite losing three dealerships due to consolidation, the Autobarn dealership group’s recent takeover of three locations in the city more than makes up for it.

According to Dudley Onderdonk, the city’s director of community and economic development, the Lincoln Mercury dealership moved to North Riverside, a Dodge dealership closed completely and a Pontiac dealership went to Hodgkins.

“One of the things (Autobarn’s owner Richard Fisher) did was purchase a triangle of land across from the William Tell hotel to expand his Volkswagen dealership on Joliet (Road),” Onderdonk said. “In addition, Fisher recently purchased the Subaru dealership on La Grange Road ... he relocated the Mazda dealership south and expanded ... and replaced the old Pontiac dealer that left.”

The Continental dealership will benefit from the new acquisitions as well, Onderdonk said. After the Mazda dealership moved, Continental Nissan expanded into the old Mazda location, allowing Honda to expand because Continental was storing cars on their lot.

“What we’ve got is an expansion of some very strong players in the marketplace and exit from the marketplace some of the weaker dealerships,” Onderdonk said.

Richard Kirkpatrick, general manager of the Countryside Autobarn, said the company expanded for customer convenience.

“We’re on the verge of a major renovation of the existing facility where we will improve all our customer contacts points and create an environment that will be enjoyable for customers and employees,” Kirkpatrick said.

City Administrator Ed Bailey said Fisher’s commitment to Countryside shows the city is strong in an otherwise weakening market.

“We believe (Fisher) will be stronger as an auto dealer ... this will help Countryside emerge in the longer term with stronger auto dealers,” Bailey said.