Auto dealers in San Francisco have come together to form a new trade group, with the goal of using their economic powers for the good of their city.

The new trade group, called the San Francisco Auto Jobs Alliance, aims to preserve the city’s automotive heritage, and promote job creation and economic growth, the group announced on Thursday.

Dealers comprising the Alliance represent numerous brands, including Land Rover, Range Rover, Jaguar, Lotus, Lamborghini, Bentley, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, Mazda, Honda, Toyota, BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Smart, Hyundai and Scion.

Combined, these franchised dealers in 2011 generated almost $700 million in car sales in San Francisco, and nearly $9 million in sales tax revenue for the city’s general fund, the group noted. They also employ more than 1,500 people.

“Simply put, franchise auto dealers are the economic engine that powers Main Street in cities and towns all across America,” said Alliance chairman Andy Hansen, the chief operating officer of Royal Automotive Group.

“Here in San Francisco, the Auto Jobs Alliance is upholding an automotive tradition more than 100 years old. We contribute to all sectors of the local, regional and national economy, from employee training and job placement to advertising, real estate and manufacturing,” Hansen said.

San Francisco auto dealers stock more than 3,000 cars for sale, according to the Alliance, with most of its members having been in business here for decades, resulting in lower overhead costs compared to newer suburban dealers.

Among the activities of the Alliance is advocating for policies and programs that can increase car sales in San Francisco and preserve the hundreds of jobs provided by each dealership in the city.

This summer, for example, the Alliance reported it worked with San Francisco’s elected leaders to craft a compromise on a business tax measure that will go before voters in November.

Alliance vice chair David Barsotti, owner of Mercedes San Francisco, said, “Auto dealers need to speak with a common voice in San Francisco. We’ve shown that we can work with City Hall and with all stakeholders on issues that affect our industry and the city as a whole.”

Alliance members also support local charities, including a recent donation of 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.

For more information on the San Francisco Auto Jobs Alliance, visit www.sfaja.com.