Several Auto Retailers Announce Expansions

Sonic Automotive, Group 1 Automotive, the Lou Fusz Automotive Network, Barnes Crossing Auto Group, and Ed Morse Automotive Group all expanded their businesses recently.

Sonic Automotive Group

Sonic Automotive Group announced the continued expansion of its EchoPark Automotive brand with the opening of its newest retail hub in Roseville, California. EchoPark Sacramento is the brand’s second location in California.

EchoPark now comprises 41 retail hubs and delivery centers across 21 states as it works toward a nationwide distribution network the company hopes will reach 90% of the U.S. population by 2025.

“We look forward to bringing the best quality pre-owned vehicles and our world-class guest experience to residents of the Sacramento area by delivering the EchoPark brand promise of Every Car, Happy Owner,” Sonic chief executive officer David Smith said in the news release. “Our EchoPark retail hubs and delivery centers allow us to serve the growing number of consumers who want to start their automotive shopping experience online but complete their purchase in-person at a dealership.

“The brand’s website EchoPark.com allows for any car to be sold to anyone, anywhere, while expansion of new locations allows EchoPark to be a trusted source for consumers to take delivery close to home,” Smith continued.

Group 1 Automotive

Group 1 has expanded operations in the United Kingdom with the acquisition of a BMW/MINI dealership and a collision center in Southend, just east of London in the county of Essex. 

Group 1 reports the location is contiguous with several other existing automotive dealerships owned and operated by the company in the U.K. The acquisition increases the company’s U.K. operations to 56 dealerships and 79 franchises.

Group 1 forecasts the acquisition will generate $80 million in annual revenue.

The auto retailer now has 205 dealerships in the U.S. and U.K.

Lou Fusz Automotive Network

Lou Fusz Automotive Network Performance Brokerage Services recently facilitated the sale of Duell’s Evansville Kia and Duell’s Evansville Hyundai of Indiana.

Lou Fusz Automotive Network acquired the Kia dealership while Barnes Crossing Auto Group acquired the Hyundai dealership.

The two dealerships are located less than half a mile from each other. Duell had owned the Kia dealership for over 40 years and had acquired the Hyundai dealership in 2011.

The Kia dealership has been renamed Lou Fusz Kia Evansville while the Hyundai dealership is now Hyundai of Evansville. Both dealerships will remain in their current locations.

The Kia dealership is the second Kia franchise for Lou Fusz Automotive Network.

With the acquisition, Lou Fusz Automotive Network offers 17 brands across 13 dealerships in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

The Hyundai acquisition marks the 14th franchise dealership for Barnes Crossing Auto Group.

Ed Morse Automotive Group

Ed Morse Automotive Group announced acquisitions within motorcycle retailing.

The company acquired Cowboy Harley-Davidson’s three locations in Texas, including the Harley-Davidson retail store at the River Walk in San Antonio.

Ed Morse Automotive Group purchased the motorcycle dealerships from Cowboy Harley-Davidson in a transaction facilitated by George Chaconas with Performance Brokerage Services.

“We are excited to add our first motorsport franchises to our growing automotive family. I have a true passion for motorcycles and am proud to continue the growth of these locations. We look forward to making significant capital improvements and supporting the communities of Austin, Beaumont and San Antonio,” said Teddy Morse, chairman and CEO of Ed Morse Automotive Group, in a news release.

“The enhancements that we will bring will be beneficial to the success of the incredible employees there, but also providing our customers a world-class motorcycle-buying experience,” Morse continued.

The family owned business of over 75 years, is headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla.

The company reports the acquisitions will add nearly 140 employees to its over 1,800-employee base, and will grow Ed Morse Automotive Group to 34 dealerships, 69 franchises, 38 locations and 18 automotive and motorcycle brands.