They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and HGreg is aiming to take that one step further.
The dealership group has acquired the site of Southwest Lincoln-Mercury in West Houston, a dealership that was owned by Bud Adams, the late owner of the NFL’s Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans and one of the founders of the American Football League.
The dealership has been closed for some 20 years, but the showroom, with its gabled roof, remains a local landmark.
When it first opened as Southwest Dodge in 1966, it was billed as “the most modern building in the world.” HGreg said its goal is to make its new location, scheduled to open this month, the largest dealership in Texas in terms of car inventory.
“We’ve been patiently awaiting this opportunity,” HGreg president and CEO John Hairabedian said. “We have had our eyes on Texas for the past few years and are delighted that our entry into the Lone Star State is founded on such a historic location with rich and deep roots.”
HGreg said it has invested $55 million in the property, including $22 million to acquire the real estate and renovate the location. The dealership is now in the process of hiring some 100 full- and part-time staff members.
HGreg Houston is the group’s 10th location and first in Texas, joining its outlets in California, Florida and Quebec, Canada.
The company, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, said it plans to continue expanding into new markets.
DSR Motor Group acquires New Hampshire dealership
DSR Motor Group has expanded into New Hampshire’s capital with the acquisition of Dan O’Brien Kia in Concord.
The dealership group, which now operates 12 locations in four New England states, has renamed its newest acquisition Capital City Kia. It’s DSR’s fourth New Hampshire store, joining two each in Salem and Somersworth.
“We are thrilled to become a part of the Concord community with an innovative brand like Kia,” DSR dealer principal David Rosenberg said. “Capital City Kia is more than a dealership – it’s our chance to give back and support the local community.”
DSR said lifelong New Hampshire resident Dennis Wilson Jr. will serve as Capital City Kia’s general manager and operating partner.
“Living in New Hampshire, our family understands what it means to be a part of this community,” Wilson said. “It’s more than delivering exceptional service and a fast, fair and simple car-buying experience. It’s about rolling up our sleeves and doing right by the people of Concord.
“We look forward to building lasting relationships with our customers and giving back to the local charities, small businesses and community organizations that make a difference here.”
Car Pros sponsors GSBA gala and fundraiser
Washington state-based Car Pros, which operates nine locations in Washington and California, served as the title sponsor of the Greater Seattle Business Association’s EQUALUX 2023, the largest LGBTQ+ and friends gala in the Pacific Northwest.
The event, held Nov. 18 in Seattle, raised more than $875,000 for the GSBA Scholarship and Education Fund.
GSBA, established in 1981, is Washington State’s LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce, and the largest of its kind in North America.
“We were so proud to be the title sponsor of EQUALUX for the third year in a row,” Car Pros Automotive Group CEO Matthew Phillips said. “We strongly believe in the work of the GSBA and share their values of promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
“We congratulate the GSBA for hosting such a successful event and are pleased, through the establishment of a new Workforce Development Scholarship in Car Pros’ name, to further support their continued investment in the next generation of leaders through their Scholarship and Education Fund.”
Car Pros donated nearly $25,000 during the event, creating the Car Pros Road to Success scholarship that will allow a student to pursue a two-year certificate degree in trade industries such as automotive and auto repair.
As part of the event, Car Pros, the nation’s top-selling Kia retailer, displayed the new all-electric Kia EV9. The vehicle was converted into a photo booth for the evening where attendees could get their photo taken from inside the vehicle.
“EQUALUX 2023 was a night to remember — full of connection, community and support for our future leaders,” GSBA CEO and president Ilona Lohrey said. “We are especially grateful for the continued partnership of our title sponsor Car Pros Kia, without whom an event of this size would not be possible.”