Artist's rendering of the "jewel box" design of the new Velocity Mazda dealership. Courtesy.

1. Nissan and Mazda Recalling Nearly 260-Thousand Cars

Velocity Mazda will break ground on a new facility at 10 a.m. on Friday, owner and auto enthusiast Camden Jones said. The three-acre complex, at 1930 WSW Loop 323 in Tyler, will house the first exclusive Mazda dealership in East Texas.

“I have a great love for the East Texas community,” Jones said. “I am so proud to bring one of the nation’s first Mazda Retail Evolution dealerships to this area.”

Velocity Mazda is a family-owned dealership. Jones is a Tyler resident who races Mazdas semi-professionally.

The “jewel box” showroom, designed to highlight the new vehicles, will stand side-by-side with a seven-bay service facility with the latest diagnostic equipment, laser alignment systems and advanced balancing machinery.

“Customers will be able to utilize an interactive learning center featuring touch-screen televisions to customize the perfect Mazda,” Jones said. “The added service space will allow our experienced service department to continue providing outstanding service to not just Mazda owners, but to all the makes and models that comprise Tyler’s vehicle marketplace.”

The project should be completed in fall 2016.

Twitter: @TMT_Roy