A new auto dealership is coming to town and will make its home at the Turlock Auto Plaza, which has sat largely vacant for the last few years.

Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram will be setting up shop at the auto plaza at 1600 Auto Mall Dr. with a soft opening tentatively set for June 1, said new owner Inder Dosanjh.

A veteran of the auto business for more than 30 years, Dosanjh said he is excited about Turlock’s auto business prospects.

“I like Turlock and the opportunities here,” Dosanjh said. “I grew up in the area and have missed the Central Valley, so this is a great homecoming for me.”

Dosanjh started his auto career as a mechanic and plans to include a service area in the new dealership.

The dealership is expected to bring on about 25 employees at the onset and grow from there. A grand opening celebration is being planned around mid-July, Dosanjh said.

The new dealership will be using a portion of the 5.91 acre parcel — setting up shop in the larger showroom.

The Turlock Auto Plaza was the previous home of Turlock Chrysler, Turlock Dodge, Turlock Jeep, Turlock Subaru and Turlock Auto Plaza Pre-Owned Center, which all shuttered their doors in December 2008. Smith Chevrolet Cadillac has been the sole occupant of the auto plaza for the last several years.

The property was previously purchased by Modesto-based investment group Centerra Capital in January 2011.

The new dealership will focus on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.

“These brands are selling really strong right now,” Dosanjh said.

Dosanjh’s assertion is backed up by the numbers. According to Autoblog.com, Chrysler had the highest increase in sales last month for all American made autos. Chrysler sold 1,500 more vehicles in April of this year than it did last April, for a daily sales rate increase of 75.98 percent. Jeep had an increase of 34.39 percent. Ram had an increase of 25.61 percent and Dodge had an increase of 14.86 percent.