Jack Walsworth Subaru reporter, web producer Jack Walsworth is Subaru reporter, web producer for Automotive News. [email protected] 313-446-6029 See All Staff Page Recent Stories U.S. dealership group Lithia Motors expands in Canada Lithia Motors' activity continued with the acquisition of a Canadian store in early February. Two Canadian dealership groups buy more U.S. stores Foundation Automotive Corp. and Alpha Auto Group recently expanded in Tennessee and California, respectively. Foundation Automotive of Calgary buys another Texas dealership Foundation Automotive Corp. of Calgary continues to buy dealerships in Texas. It's latest purchase is Mercedes-Benz of Wichita Falls. Canadian retailer Foundation Automotive enters Tennessee with purchase of four dealerships Foundation Automotive Corp. expanded into Tennessee last week, buying three domestic dealerships and one import store. Ontario dealers buy Illinois store in pursuit of more U.S. expansion Partners Scott Elliott and Mike Bezzoubkin bought Chip Banks Chevrolet-Buick in Du Quoin, Ill. Lithia Motors' net income more than doubled in Q1 Lithia Motors' net income soared 119 per cent in the first quarter, which was aided by increased new- and used-vehicle sales and higher vehicle selling prices. Foundation Automotive of Calgary buys more dealerships in Texas Foundation Automotive Corp. of Canada bought five franchised dealerships in Texas on Wednesday, including its first BMW store. Canadian retailers go south for deals Several Canadian dealership groups have expanded into the United States and continue to look to add stores. Dealers and buy-sell experts say Canadians are attracted by generally lower dealership prices in the United States compared with their home country, bigger scale and diversification opportunities and the warmer weather, among various reasons. Lithia's acquisition of Pfaff a sign that Canada presents opportunities for U.S. groups Canada had been described as Lithia Motors Inc.'s No. 1 expansion target. The publicly traded dealership group made its first acquisition there last week. Calgary's Foundation Automotive acquires Colo. Hyundai store from AutoNation Foundation Automotive is planning to nearly double its store count this year with 16 to 18 acquisitions in the U.S. Ex-Kia COO Peffer named Maserati N.A. chief Bill Peffer, who spent just one week as COO and executive vice president at Kia Motors America, will lead all operations for the Italian exotic brand in the U.S. and Canada. Finalists named for North American car, truck and utility of 2021 The nine finalists for 2021 North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year are three Asian sedans, three American pickups and a group of utilities consisting of a resurrected nameplate, a Mustang-inspired electric vehicle and a burgeoning luxury brand's first crossover. Chicago Auto Show postponed; organizers aim for spring date The recent uptick in COVID-19 cases made a February show unrealistic, a spokesman said. Organizers are working with the city and state health departments to figure out when the event can be held. Subaru BRZ coupe gets more power, styling tweaks Subaru is bolstering its BRZ coupe with a redesign focused around a new engine, an upgraded interior and smoother styling. McLaren North America rebrands certified pre-owned program The British exotic brand, in the latest tweak to its North American retail operations, is retiring McLaren Qualified after seven years. Load More
Jack Walsworth Subaru reporter, web producer Jack Walsworth is Subaru reporter, web producer for Automotive News. [email protected] 313-446-6029 See All Staff Page