Lithia & Driveway Sells California Dealership
Lithia & Driveway has sold its Carson (CA) Nissan dealership to David Massoudi of Mass Auto Group.
Lithia & Driveway, started in 1946, became a publicly traded company in 1996 and was the top ranked 2024 Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups based on 2023 new vehicle retail sales units. Mass Auto Group operates six dealerships across Southern California, representing Nissan, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM. Carson Nissan will remain at its current location at 1505 East 223rd Street in Carson.
Jason Stopnitzky, co-founder of Performance Brokerage Services, noted the deal marks their second transaction with David Massoudi and Mass Auto Group in 2024, as well as the second dealership sale for Lithia & Driveway this year.
Crabtree Motor Group Expands in Connecticut
A Milford-based automotive group is expanding its reach with the acquisition of a pair of new Connecticut car dealerships.
Crabtree Motor Group has acquired McDermott Chevrolet and Lexus auto dealers in East Haven. McDermott Chevrolet and Lexus were owned by a limited liability company, East Haven Cars, that had purchased the dealership from David M. McDermott in 2021. The sale of the McDermott dealerships come about six months after the former owner of the business, David M. McDermott, died at the age of 87.
The East Haven dealerships will now be known as Bobby Crabtree Chevrolet of New Haven and Crabtree Lexus.
Prior to acquiring the two McDermott dealerships in East Haven, Crabtree Motor Group’s holdings included new car dealerships in Milford, Middlebury and Watertown as well as a collision center and a dealerships that sells off-road vehicles. Crabtree purchased a Toyota dealership in Watertown and a Nissan dealership in Middlebury in 2022.
By adding the two new dealerships, Crabtree expects to expand his workforce from 425 to about 500 employees by mid-2025.
Superior Automotive Sells GMC, Hyundai Franchises
Cooper Chevrolet Buick recently acquired Superior Automotive’s GMC and Hyundai franchises, marking a major expansion in both inventory and brand offerings for customers across Anniston, Oxford, and East Alabama, AL. The acquisition more than doubles Cooper’s available new and used inventory, making this the largest expansion in the dealership’s 47-year history.
Cooper is re-branding to Cooper Auto Family, and will now include Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Hyundai, CarBravo Certified Used and two pre-owned car lots. Superior GMC will move to Cooper’s main dealership location at 1300 S. Quintard Ave in Anniston, where its inventory will be added to the Chevrolet and Buick offerings under the new name Cooper Chevrolet Buick GMC.
Superior Hyundai will remain at its current location at 110 S. Quintard Ave and will be re-branded as Cooper Hyundai.
“Bringing all of General Motors’ top brands under one roof allows us to offer unmatched convenience and selection to our customers. Plus, adding Hyundai, a brand known for its state-of-the-art technology, reliability, and stylish designs, provides an exciting new option for shoppers seeking innovative and high-quality vehicles,” said Gregg Montgomery, owner and president of Cooper Auto Family.
Pritchard Acquires Two Iowa Locations
Pritchard Family Auto Stores has purchased two Iowa dealerships—Harrison Ford in Clear Lake and Schukei Chevrolet & Volkswagen in Mason City.
The deal with Harrison Ford brings the location back under the Pritchard name. Pritchard Family Auto Stores is a fifth-generation, family-owned business that has been serving customers across North Iowa for over 110 years.
“It was in 2014 that our family first built a state-of-the-art Ford Dealership in Clear Lake, and we’re incredibly proud to announce the acquisition of Harrison Ford by the Pritchard Companies,” said Joe Pritchard, CEO of Pritchard Companies. ”By combining the staff of Harrison Ford’s expertise with the values and vision of Pritchard Family Auto Stores, we’re in a stronger position than ever to deliver exceptional service and build lasting relationships in Clear Lake and beyond.”
As for Schukei Chevrolet & Volkswagen location, company officials noted the deal brings together two long standing, family-owned businesses to reinforce the shared values of community, integrity, and exceptional customer service.
“We are excited to welcome Schukei Chevrolet & Volkswagen to the Pritchard Family.,” said Pritchard. “As a family business ourselves, we deeply respect the legacy and community commitment of the Schukei family.”