The world's largest seller of H1 Hummers and Hummer parts, Lynch Hummer, is getting even bigger as it awaits the arrival of the more fuel efficient H3. Lynch Hummer has tripled in size with the opening of a new $7 million dealership built by ARCO Construction Co. at 17371 N. Outer Forty Dr. in Chesterfield, Mo. As Missouri's only Hummer dealership, it sells the civilian Hummer models that cost up to $146,000. The company's Ballwin and O'Fallon stores have been consolidated at the new location.

Since I founded the company in 1994, we have been the world's largest Hummer dealership, based on sales volume, seven times, said Jim Lynch, president, in a news release. This larger space helps us better serve our growing customer base.

A Hummer owner since 1992, Lynch founded the dealership a year after the South Bend, Ind.-based company began offering Hummer franchises. Last year, Lynch sold nearly 400 Hummers and generated more than $20 million in revenue. He expects demand to increase with the introduction of the new H3 model.

The H3 is smaller, more affordable and gets better gas mileage, said Lynch. We anticipate that demand will be high.

Lynch has already taken preorders for a large number of H3s. He expects to receive an initial shipment of 120 as the manufacturer ramps up production, doubling the number of vehicles he currently keeps in stock.

We typically stock 60 to 70 vehicles, but with the advent of the H3, we anticipate stocking 250 to 300 cars at any given time, noted Lynch.

The dealership occupies a prominent location on seven acres adjacent to Highway 40 in Chesterfield Valley. According to Lynch, the Chesterfield facility is more accessible to his client base and offers instant access to an adjoining vehicle demonstration area.

The 34,380-square-foot structure built by ARCO features an 8,000- square-foot showroom, two high-capacity car washes and a service center with 18 bays.

ARCO came highly recommended from several people, said Lynch. They are very good at working with growing businesses and team building throughout the duration of a project.