Three dealerships in Texas recently changed hands, marking significant shifts in the automotive industry in the state. Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions facilitated the transactions, bringing new ownership to South Austin Nissan, Baytown Nissan, and Hyundai of Silsbee.
IDEA Auto Group, led by Julie Herrera, made a bold move by acquiring South Austin Nissan from Central Automotive Group. Herrera, who established IDEA Auto in 2022 after branching off from the Cavender Auto Family, named her company to reflect her commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity in the automotive sector. With this acquisition, IDEA Auto now operates three dealerships in the Austin area and sold an impressive 8,380 new vehicles in 2023. The newly acquired dealership has been rebranded as City Limits Nissan, signaling a fresh start under Herrera’s leadership.
Central Automotive Group also finalized the sale of Baytown Nissan to Bravo Auto Group, owned by Raymond Palacios. The dealership, now known as Bravo Nissan of Baytown, represents Bravo’s entry into the Houston market and its sixth location overall, with existing operations in Victoria and El Paso, Texas, as well as Las Cruces, New Mexico. This strategic expansion positions Bravo Auto Group for continued growth and success in the competitive automotive landscape.
In a separate deal, Mike Terry and Jarryd Carver acquired Hyundai of Silsbee from Dale Early through their partnership, E1T1 Auto Group. The dealership, rebranded as Mike Terry Hyundai, marks Terry’s fifth store in Texas and third brand since entering the dealership business in 2019. For Carver, this acquisition represents the first venture in Texas, adding to his existing three locations in Virginia. The partnership between Terry and Carver signals a collaborative effort to drive innovation and customer satisfaction in the automotive market.
Meanwhile, four Car Pros dealerships have been recognized by J.D. Power as 2024 Dealers of Excellence, highlighting their exceptional customer service and sales performance. Car Pros Automotive Group, which operates nine dealerships in Western Washington and Southern California, saw Car Pros Kia Glendale, Car Pros Kia Moreno Valley, Car Pros Kia Huntington Beach, and Car Pros Kia Tacoma receive this prestigious certification. These dealerships set new records for Kia sales in 2023, with Car Pros Kia Glendale leading the nation in new Kias and Kia EVs sold.
CEO Matthew Phillips expressed pride in the team’s achievement, emphasizing the commitment to exceptional customer service at the core of Car Pros‘ operations. The J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence program recognizes dealerships that excel in providing a superior sales experience, with only the top 2%-3% of dealerships nationally meeting the stringent criteria for this accolade. This certification not only distinguishes Car Pros dealerships from local competitors but also instills confidence in customers seeking a positive vehicle purchasing experience.
In conclusion, the recent dealership transactions in Texas and the recognition of Car Pros dealerships as Dealers of Excellence underscore the dynamic nature of the automotive industry. With a focus on customer service, innovation, and strategic growth, these developments pave the way for continued success and excellence in the competitive automotive market.