Number One Auto Sales earns third “Star of the State” award in 2026

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Number One Auto Sales has once again been recognized as the top-performing Credit Acceptance dealership in the state of West Virginia, earning the prestigious “Star of the State” award for the month of May 2026.

The honor marks the third time this year that Number One Auto Sales has received statewide recognition, having previously earned the award in February and April. Through the first five months of 2026, the dealership has established a commanding lead over all other participating dealerships across West Virginia. In April, Number One Auto Sales finished 22nd in the nation out of over 15,000 new and used dealerships.

In addition to its statewide success, Number One Auto Sales has now been named Credit Acceptance’s “Star of the Market” for the 29th consecutive month, an achievement that includes competition from dealerships throughout north-central West Virginia, including the larger markets of Morgantown, Fairmont and Clarksburg.

Credit Acceptance’s National Director of Sales Kevin Polega recently visited the dealership and praised the organization’s customer-first culture.

“Recently I had the privilege of visiting Number One Auto Sales. It’s clear why they are the top Credit Acceptance dealer in the state of West Virginia. The staff has a clear focus on helping people rebuild or establish their credit rather than just selling vehicles. In my 30 years at Credit Acceptance, it isn’t often I find a dealer that puts the customer first. I can say without a doubt Number One Auto Sales focuses on community, integrity and longevity. I am proud to call them a Dealer Partner.”

Credit Acceptance’s Market Area Manager Caleb Hinchey had glowing things to say about Number One Auto’s success and growth.

“Over my five and a half years with Credit Acceptance, it has been a privilege to watch Number One Auto Sales grow into the dealership they are today. Their success goes far beyond sales volume — I’ve seen firsthand their commitment to serving the community, continuously improving their processes, and always putting the customer at the center of every decision. This recognition as the number one Credit Acceptance dealer in West Virginia through May is well deserved, and I believe they’re only getting started. I look forward to seeing them continue to raise the bar and challenge some of the top-performing dealerships in the entire country.”

General Manager Shea Phillips credits the dealership’s success to a culture built around serving customers rather than pressuring them.

“The culture we have created at our dealership for both our employees and our customers is extremely unique and refreshing in our industry,” said Phillips. “We operate with zero pressure on the customer, letting them make all of their own decisions and to only be there to help as advisors when they need us. But when it comes to the approval process, that’s where we kick it into high gear. No one can outwork our staff at fighting for not only an approval, but the best possible approval for our customer, because that’s what they deserve. That’s why we have been number one in our market for 29 consecutive months, and why we are now number one in the entire state of West Virginia, out of both new-car franchises and used dealerships.”

For nearly three decades, Number One Auto Sales has served the residents of West Virginia by helping customers secure reliable transportation while rebuilding or establishing their credit. The dealership’s financing programs are designed to provide opportunities for customers from all credit backgrounds, including first-time buyers, customers rebuilding credit, and those seeking affordable transportation solutions. They also work with the top prime lenders in the nation to offer the most competitive rates and terms available to folks with good to excellent credit as well.

Founded in 1995, Number One Auto Sales is a family-owned dealership located in Buckhannon. For more information, visit DriveOnDown.com, call or text (304) 472-1101, or visit Number One Auto Sales at 50 N. Locust Street in Buckhannon.