Bob Mayberry Hyundai Sold
The Walters family has sold Bob Mayberry Hyundai in Monroe, N.C., to Pablo River Partners, a Jacksonville, FL-based investment firm.The transaction, finalized March 5 with The Presidio Group advising the Walters, marks the close of Missy and Ingram Walters’ long history in retail.
Pablo River Partners is led by Chairman and CEO Charlie Tomm, who is re-entering the retail automotive space with the acquisition. Tomm previously held executive roles as CEO of Ford of Clermont, which was sold in 2022; CEO of Brumos Automotive, a Florida luxury-brand dealership group that was sold in 2016; CEO of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. subsidiary Coggin/Courtesy AutoGroup until 2008; and CEO of Coggin Automotive Group until its merger with Asbury in 1998.
The dealership’s real estate, consisting of approximately 28,000 square feet of facilities on 10 acres, was included in the sale.
Castle Automotive Group Acquires Hyundai Dealership
Castle Automotive Group has expanded in the Chicagoland area with the purchase of Happy Hyundai of Oak Lawn, now known as Castle Hyundai of Oak Lawn.
The acquisition of Castle Hyundai of Oak Lawn further strengthens Castle Automotive Group’s commitment to the greater Chicagoland area, according to company officials. The group operates 18 dealership locations and represent 25 new car franchises across Illinois and Northwestern Indiana.
The auto group is positioned to further broaden its footprint and enhance its presence in the market, said Joe Castle, CEO of Castle Automotive Group “We are excited to welcome Castle Hyundai of Oak Lawn into the Castle Automotive Group family,” said Castle. “Expanding into Oak Lawn allows us to deliver that experience to more people and strengthen our ties to the community.”
Castle Hyundai of Oak Lawn will offer the full range of Hyundai vehicles, from eco-friendly hybrids to reliable sedans and versatile SUVs, as well as a wide selection of pre-owned cars. The dealership will also provide expert service, comprehensive repair options, and customized financing solutions tailored to meet each customer’s needs.
Additionally, Castle sold its its Ford dealership in Michigan City, IN, to Bob Loquercio Auto Group, which operates 17 locations in Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana. The dealerships is doing business as Michigan City Ford.
Walser Automotive Group to Open Mitsubishi Motors Dealership
Minnesota.-based Walser Automotive Group will open one of the country’s newest Mitsubishi Motors dealerships next month in Burnsville, MN.
The opening of Walser Mitsubishi is part of Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) recently announced five-year business plan— “Momentum 2030“— that outlines the brand’s mid-term intentions for product and business transformation. MMNA will expand and refresh its vehicle lineup in the U.S. with one new or completely refreshed model to debut each year between now and 2030. Momentum 2030 includes a vision for a modernized retail sales model and plans for network expansion and sales growth.
Walser Automotive Group has been in business since 1954, growing from a single franchise rooftop to a full collection of more than 20 brands across 35 facilities.
“We’re excited to bring Mitsubishi Motors to the Burnsville community as we continue our mission to provide an effortless customer experience and a better way to buy a car,” said Andrew Walser, CEO of Walser Automotive Group. “Mitsubishi’s focus on innovation, technology, and great service aligns with Walser’s commitment to building strong relationships in the communities we serve and delivering a more seamless car buying and ownership experience.”
Swickard Auto Group Achieves Top Reputation Score
Swickard Auto Group was recently named a top five private U.S. dealership group in the 2024-25 North American Automotive Industry Rankings, as determined by Reputation.com.
This recognition highlights Swickard Auto Group’s unwavering dedication to delivering remarkable customer experiences and fostering enduring relationships with its valued guests. Reputation.com, a leading provider of customer experience management solutions for the automotive industry, evaluates brands and dealerships across key dimensions including sentiment, visibility, and customer engagement.
This reputation score reflects Swickard Auto Group’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service across all touchpoints, according to Jeff Swickard, dealer principal of Swickard Auto Group. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and fostering positive online interactions, Swickard Auto Group has earned its place among the top dealerships in the industry.
“Achieving a Top 5 ranking is a tremendous honor…we are incredibly proud of our commitment to providing outstanding hospitality and creating memorable experiences for our valued guests,” stated Swickard. “This achievement reflects the dedication and commitment of our entire team, from our sales and service professionals to our support staff. Their unwavering focus on delivering a special guest journey is the cornerstone of our success.”
