Sentinel photo by MINA PHILIPS
Bobby Rahal Toyota in Lewistown is set to relocate before the end of September.

LEWISTOWN — Bobby Rahal Toyota of Lewistown will relocate its Toyota and Lexus sales and service operations to State College later this month, ending 18 years of operations at its current site on 425 Electric Avenue.

The dealership will move to 120 E. Clinton Ave., the former home of Joel Confer Toyota, with sales and service at the new location expected to begin Thursday, Sept. 25.

The decision to move was driven by both opportunity and necessity, according to Brian W. Buehler, vice president of sales and marketing for Bobby Rahal Auto Group-Central PA.

“An existing Toyota franchise was available in State College, which allows us to serve both the Lewistown and State College markets,” Buehler said.

He added that the Lewistown facility had reached its service capacity and would require significant investments to meet modern brand standards. The move, he said, will enable the dealership to provide better service to its customers in both communities while maintaining the level of care customers expect.

All 31 employees at the Lewistown location — 26 full-time and five part-time — were offered positions at the new State College facility or, as an alternative, at one of the group’s Mechanicsburg locations.

Only two employees chose not to make the move, opting to pursue opportunities closer to home. The rest of the team, Buehler said, will transition with the business, and the dealership anticipates adding new staff as operations expand in the larger State College market.

To support employees during the change, the company is conducting pay reviews and providing early raises and commission or bonus guarantees during the initial period at the new location, aiming to ease any financial uncertainty during the transition.

For Lewistown customers concerned about ongoing service, warranties, or after-sale programs, Buehler said all existing benefits will be honored at the new site.

“Lexus customers who purchased from us can continue to use the same pickup and drop-off services,” he said.

In addition, lifetime complimentary state inspections and other Rahal programs for current owners will continue at the State College dealership. The company says the move could improve service for Lewistown customers, who may experience shorter wait times for appointments due to the larger service facility and extra technicians at the new site.

Normal operations will continue in Lewistown through Friday, Sept. 20. Starting Sept. 22, Rahal will begin serving customers at its new State College location, with limited

scheduling as staff and equipment are moved. Emergency repairs and maintenance will be available during this transition period while state licensing is finalized.

Routine sales and service will be up and running by Sept. 25. The State College facility will operate with expanded hours: Service and parts will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., while sales will be available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The move marks a significant change for the dealership’s presence in Mifflin County, where Rahal Toyota has served as the area’s authorized Toyota and Lexus dealer for years. According to Buehler, keeping the business viable for both customers and employees was a top priority.

“Our current facility in Lewistown has reached its capacity,” he said, noting that required upgrades would have meant major investments to meet the latest standards from the manufacturer. By acquiring the State College location, Rahal Auto Group says it can continue to offer new and used Toyota and Lexus vehicles, as well as certified service, to customers from both regions.

While the longer drive may inconvenience some local customers, the dealership emphasized that expanded staff and upgraded facilities in State College should mean a higher level of service and access to a broader inventory.

“We want to thank all our Lewistown clients for their support and loyalty over the years,” Buehler said, adding that Rahal remains committed to serving its Central Pennsylvania customer base.

Looking ahead, Bobby Rahal Toyota will focus on completing the transition smoothly for both customers and employees. The company says it will maintain a consistent level of service and looks forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces to its State College location.

For more information, customers can contact Bobby Rahal Toyota at their current number, (717) 248-0119, visit their website at https://www.bobbyrahaltoyotaoflewistown.com/, or reach out to the new State College address beginning Sept. 22.