News From the Auto Industry

Thornton began his career with General Motors Acceptance Corporation in 1974 as a credit supervisor. He bought his first dealership in 1993 after working at two others.

Smith says, “Harlem is in the midst of a great renaissance and we are proud to be a part of it. We believe Otis Thornton will be a great asset to the neighborhood and to the business community of Harlem.”

The new dealership is being developed in conjunction with GM’s Minority Dealer Development Program.

“This is exactly what I had in mind when I developed the Empowerment Zone legislation.”

The dealerships are part of the big mall to be located between Second and Third Avenues at 127th and 128th Streets. The facility will include a Cadillac-Hummer store, owned by the Potamkin Auto Group.