There is a new driving force coming to Americus. About 14 years after working for various car dealerships. Frank Austin is about to open his own, Rite-Way Automotive. He currently has about eight cars on the lot, but soon hopes to have up to 60 vehicles by the time he opens for business on April 15.

The used car dealership, at 1406 Felder Street and formerly Americus Motor, will sell an array of vehicles, including high-end models such as Mercedes, Lexus and Escalades.

"We're not going to have any junk here, just a lot of quality, clean cars," said Austin, who himself drives a BMW. "I understand the need for good vehicles." He is currently taking order for cars now. Prices will range from $5,500 to $45,000.

Austin has been in car sales for over 14 years, including Greg Issac Nissan of Tifton and Carl Gregory. But he said venturing out into his own business has always been a goal.

"I wanted to be successful," said Austin, who is married with two children.

He hopes to pull in his own customer base that he built over the years. He said he also feels his business savvy tremendous help.

"I understand the economy," he said.

He said he would try to distinguish his car lot from the others, applying a lot of customer service. Austin has hopes to eventually phase the used car business into a car dealership. Dealing with credit for so many years, I can assist in obtaining credit easier.

"We want to help people get a vehicle and treat them right in the process," he said.

Austin said they will be running sales from time to time and will give away a free car at some point just to say thanks for making him successful here in Americus.