A long-standing Columbia used car dealership closed its doors today to consolidate with its other dealership in Hattiesburg.

Sammy Smith Motor Co. of Columbia, which has been in business here for 15 years, is consolidating with Smith Motor Co. of Hattiesburg.

Sammy Smith, who owns both dealerships with his son Keith, said they want to put all of their efforts into one business. Smith added that he and his family have dear friends in Columbia, and he will continue to go to church here.

He will miss serving Columbia and Marion County but hopes customers will continue to do business with him at the Hattiesburg location on Highway 98 next to B&S Appliance.

“We appreciate all the business through the years that the people of Columbia have done with us,” said Smith. “We will continue to provide the same service or better in Hattiesburg.”

The Hattiesburg dealership has a better facility, full service shop and will have the same employees.

Keith Smith joined his dad as a business partner 12 years ago and has been in the car business for 21 years. At one time Keith was the manager of the Chrysler dealership at Mack Grubbs in Columbia.

The Hattiesburg dealership, which opened two years ago, will soon introduce a new franchise from India called Mahindra. Sammy Smith noted that the only other dealerships that offer the Mahindra line in this area are in Mobile and Jackson.