Dennis & Co., Kyle Busch Purchas New Jersey Dealership
Dennis & Co. Auto Group expanded its dealership network by purchasing New Jersey-based Hawthorne Chevrolet, fueled by a partnership with NASCAR Cup Champion.
“We are excited to add a third Chevy store to our portfolio while partnering with a true champion to drive our growth,” said Brian Dennis, Dennis & Co. CEO and Founder. “For 97 years, Hawthorne Chevy has provided generations of customers with value-driven sales and service. We are honored to take on and continue to build this legacy.”
The purchase comes in partnership with NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, who drives driving the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing.
“My longtime association with motorsports has given me a deep appreciation of the importance of a total team effort,” said Busch. “I am excited to establish this partnership with Brian and the Dennis & Co. team, and I’m eager to embrace this opportunity. Meeting our many customers and fans makes me proud to be a member of the Hawthorne Chevy family.”
The dealership will continue to operate as Hawthorne Chevrolet. Tom Shanley, an automotive industry leader and veteran general manager, will lead all operations for Hawthrone Chevrolet.
Found in 2006 with a single dealership, Riverdale Chrysler Jeep, Dennis & Co. has steadily grown the company into a major automotive dealership network in the Metropolitan New York region. The platform has a diversified portfolio of leading automotive brands across 16 locations, including Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet, Ford, INFINITI, Kia, Volkswagen, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat. The group also owns and operates a used-only dealership, two collision centers, and a dedicated GM ADI parts business.
Steve Marshall Group Expands into U.S. Market
The Steve Marshall Group has made its first expansion into the United States with the acquisition of two Ford dealerships located on the Big Island of Hawaii—Orchid Isle Ford, situated in Hilo and Kona.
The Orchid Isle Ford dealerships, renowned for their dedication to customer satisfaction and high-quality service, perfectly align with the values and standards upheld by the Steve Marshall Group, according to company officials.
The Steve Marshall Group is a leading automotive dealership group across Canada and now the United States. Founded in 1966 in Campbell River, British Columbia, the group takes the inspiration for its name from its Founder and President, Steve Marshall, who was 19 when he opened his first Ford store, making him the youngest dealer owner in history. The Steve Marshall Group is now 11 dealerships strong, with additional operations in body shops and detailing facilities.
New Lexus Dealership in Kentucky
Performance Lexus of Northern Kentucky opened its new Fort Wright auto dealership just off Interstate 71/75, the new location featuring a rooftop patio with what the dealership called “stunning views” of the Kentucky hills.
The new 52,000-square-foot lot opened with several features the dealership hopes represents a “new level of service” for customers: a business center with private workspaces; Wi-Fi and USB access; a children’s play area; and a nursing suite for new moms. Aimed at customers waiting for repairs and other service, the dealership says guests can head upstairs for refreshments from a lounge off the patio that will be open three seasons a year.
The new lot sells new and pre-owned Lexus SUVs, sedans, hybrid, electric and performance vehicles as well as more than 200 used vehicles of all makes and models. The service department will specialize in Lexus models but does maintenance and repairs on other vehicles. To avoid extra waiting for repairs, the dealership has 30 service bays for servicing cars. Other amenities include electric vehicle charging stations and on-site technology specialists to help drivers with Lexus infotainment systems.
The new lot replaces its location at 633 W. Third St. in Covington, which is converting to a Performance Used Car Superstore.
Family-owned Performance Automotive Network, one of the largest 40 automotive dealers in the country, has eight dealerships in the Greater Cincinnati area and franchise areas in Centerville/Dayton, Columbus, Marysville, Lancaster and Delaware; and in Utah in the greater Salt Lake City area.
America’s Car-Mart Acquiring Texas Auto Center
America’s Car-Mart Inc. will acquire the dealership assets of Texas Auto Center, a used car dealership with two Texas locations.
Car-Mart, a buy-here, pay-here used car dealer, expects the deal to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Texas Auto Center was founded in 1995 and comprises Texas dealerships in Austin and San Marcos.
Car-Mart has been purchasing dealership groups since December 2019, when it announced the acquisition of Taylor Motors. Previously, Car-Mart had purchased some one-location dealerships, but the Taylor Motors deal comprised the first dealership group the company acquired. In December 2023, Car-Mart announced the acquisition of Central Auto Sales in Hot Springs. The company completed the acquisition in the third quarter of fiscal 2024, which ended Jan. 31.
The company will have 156 dealerships after adding these two dealerships.
