HUNTERSVILLE – Hendrick Automotive Group plans to open the new auto mall under construction on N.C. 115 in the summer of 2012.

Construction is well under way on the project between Alexanderana Road and Interstate 485. Charlotte-Mecklenburg planning officials approved the project years ago, and in a statement, Hendrick officials said the company “remained committed to the auto mall project.”

“However, in light of the declining economy, the drop in new vehicle sales from 16 million to less than 11 million per year, uncertainty created by the bailout of GM and Chrysler and delays in the completion of 485, we made the decision to delay the construction of the auto mall until 2012,” officials said.

Though zoning permits Hendrick to sell up to five brands, the company plans to open an auto mall selling only Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. Asked about how many jobs the new facility will create, Hendrick officials said they are “still in the process of formulating a personnel plan for the auto mall.”

Typically, the company posts available jobs two to three months prior to the opening of a new dealership. People can find employment information online at www.HendrickCareers.com.