Step inside the energetic world of Lewis Automotive's Ultimate Challenge, where the excitement and culture on the showroom floor directly impact the customer experience. Broadcasting live from the Bronco showroom, the Lewis Brothers—Matt, Shelby, and Taylor—are giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what makes their annual March sales event so special.

The numbers tell part of the story: by Day 11, they've already moved 179 vehicles toward their goal of 555. But the real magic lies in how this momentum transforms both the dealership atmosphere and the deals customers can access. Multiple team members share how the Ultimate Challenge leverages the sheer volume of business to secure better financing terms from banks and credit unions—advantages simply unavailable during normal months.

"In 2020, with the pandemic and limited vehicle availability, many people got into situations they didn't want to be in," explains Anthony Rowers, one sales professional. "This undoes most of that." With discounts up to $20,000, interest rates as low as 0%, and no payments for 90 days, the event creates opportunities for customers to escape unfavorable financial situations while upgrading to newer vehicles.

The Lewis team's willingness to think outside the box appears in their "crazy trades" approach—accepting everything from farm animals to household items to make deals happen. As Taylor puts it, "It's old school horse trading," finding solutions rather than roadblocks when negotiating comes to an impasse.

Beyond the deals, the atmosphere itself becomes a celebration with taco trucks, coffee bars, race car simulators, and even axe throwing in the parking lot. The professionals who've been through multiple Ultimate Challenges—some dating back to 1999—describe how the infectious energy creates a different kind of car buying experience where customers genuinely enjoy the process.

Whether you're in the market for a new vehicle or simply curious about what makes Lewis Automotive's culture unique, stop by any of their locations in Fayetteville, Springdale, or Farmington to experience the Ultimate Challenge firsthand. As we say at Lewis: "555 must be sold, no matter what it takes."

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Inside the Ultimate Challenge: The Biggest Sales Event of the Year

If you’ve been anywhere near Lewis Automotive lately, you’ve probably heard the buzz—the Ultimate Challenge is in full swing. And if you haven’t? Well, let me tell you: you’re missing out. This isn’t just another car sale. This is the sales event of the year, and it’s unlike anything else in the business.

We’ve got 555 vehicles to sell in one month, and we’re pulling out all the stops to make it happen. That means massive discounts, unbeatable trade-in values, and financing deals so good you might think they’re a mistake (they’re not). But beyond the deals, this event is all about the experience—an atmosphere that’s electric, a culture that’s built on having fun, and a team that’s 100% focused on making sure every customer walks away with a deal they can’t believe they got.

Let’s get into it.

Why the Ultimate Challenge Feels Different

From the moment you step onto the lot, you’ll know this isn’t your typical car dealership experience. The music is pumping, the energy is high, and our team is fired up.

One of our longest-standing team members, Freddie—who’s been through 12 Ultimate Challenges—put it best:

“We have rallies all year, but when this event kicks off, it’s another level. More speakers, more music, more deals—it just goes to 150%.”

And that energy translates straight to our customers. People come in expecting the usual car-buying process, but they quickly realize this is different. There’s no stress, no games—just straight-up deals and a team that’s working hard to find the best possible option for every person who walks through our doors.

How We’re Making It Happen—Massive Discounts & Insane Trade Values

We’re not just talking about small incentives here. During the Ultimate Challenge, we’re offering up to $20,000 off on select vehicles, financing as low as 0% APR, and even no payments for 90 days.

But the real magic happens with trade-ins.

“We know that trade values are at their peak right now, and we’re taking advantage of that for our customers,” says Steve Aldama, our finance manager. “Banks are working with us to get deals done that just wouldn’t happen in other months.”

Because we’re pushing so many deals through, we have leverage with the banks that individual customers simply don’t have on their own. Our banking reps call us asking how they can help—because they know we’re moving a ton of vehicles. That means better rates, better loan approvals, and better options for you.

What Are the Hottest Vehicles Right Now?

We get asked all the time: What’s the best deal on the lot? And while the answer changes daily (because inventory is moving FAST), here’s what’s been flying off the lot:

  •  Ford F-150 XLT Crew Cab 4x4 – Up to $16,500 off, making it one of the best truck deals we’ve ever had.
  • Jeep Compass Sport 4WD – A brand-new 2025 model for just $24,900.
  • Ford Escape AWD – Under $30,000 and gets over 30 MPG.

If you don’t see what you want today, don’t worry—we’re bringing in fresh inventory every single day. We’ve already acquired 118 additional pre-owned vehicles just in the first 11 days of the month, and that number is only going up.

Crazy Trades: We’ll Take Almost Anything

One of the most fun parts of the Ultimate Challenge is what we call crazy trades. Sure, we take cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles, but we’ll also take just about anything of value if it helps make the deal work.

“Back in the day, we traded for a goat that ended up at my uncle’s house,” Taylor says. “That goat got mad, saw its reflection, and took out the sliding glass door.”

We’ve had ducks, golf clubs, tools, even an old-school TV that took five people to lift. So if you’re trying to get into a new ride and you’ve got something sitting in your garage that might be worth something—bring it in.

How to Get the Best Deal During Ultimate Challenge

If you’re thinking about upgrading your vehicle, here’s what you need to do before making a decision:

  • Get the Ultimate Challenge Price – This isn’t just any discount. It’s a special event-only price that you won’t get outside of March.
  • Ask for the Ultimate Challenge Trade Value – Even if you’re not sure you want to trade yet, find out what your vehicle is worth. We’re writing checks on the spot.
  • Lock in Your Ultimate Challenge Financing – We’re seeing interest rates drop by up to 2.5 points during this event. That can mean thousands of dollars in savings over the life of your loan.

When you have all three of these, you’re in the best position to make an informed, smart purchase.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until the End of the Month

We hear it every year: "I’ll wait until the last few days to see what’s left."

Let me tell you—by the last few days, inventory is getting thin. Sure, we’ll still make the deal, but the people who come in earlier have a way bigger selection to choose from.

Right now, we’ve still got prime inventory—the best colors, the best trims, the best financing options. The longer you wait, the more you risk missing out on the exact vehicle you want.

Join the Ultimate Challenge—It’s More Than Just a Sale

At the end of the day, the Ultimate Challenge is about having fun. We’re not just here to sell cars—we’re here to create an unforgettable experience.

  • Free food trucks – Tacos, ice cream, donuts—you name it.
  • Live giveaways – From Stanley mugs to a brand-new grill, we’re constantly giving back.
  • A high-energy environment – Music, rallies, and a culture you won’t find anywhere else.

Even if you’re not in the market for a car, just come check it out. You might just catch the excitement—and who knows, you might drive home in something better than what you came in with.

I’ll leave you with this: we’re here to say yes.

If you’ve been thinking about trading up, lowering your payment, or just getting into something newer, there has never been a better time.

Come see us at Lewis Automotive in Fayetteville, Springdale, or Farmington. Let’s find the perfect deal for you.