NC car company bringing 130 jobs to Duluth

Sonic Automotive is opening a regional headquarters in Duluth. AJC FILE PHOTO

Sonic Automotive is opening a regional headquarters in Duluth. AJC FILE PHOTO

A North Carolina car company is bringing its regional headquarters and a car dealership to Duluth.

Sonic Automotive will add 130 jobs to the area, according to an announcement from the governor’s office. The company will invest $20 million in the area.

“The quality, well-paying jobs they will create will generate new opportunities for hardworking Georgians in the region, and I am grateful for Sonic Automotive’s investment in Georgia,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement.

Sonic, which is based in Charlotte, has more than 100 dealerships in 12 states. The new facility in Gwinnett will serve as a regional headquarters, showroom and customer experience center for its EchoPark brand, which has nine locations in the U.S.

“Our mission is more than just selling cars, and we are looking forward to becoming an integral part of the Gwinnett County community in the coming months,” David Smith, the CEO of Sonic and EchoPark, said in a statement.

Gwinnett Commissioner Chairman Charlotte Nash and Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, said the company would find a diverse, talented workforce in the state.

Sonic Automotive is No. 316 on the Fortune 500 list. Asbury Automotive, which is headquartered in Duluth, is No. 439 on the list.