DULUTH, Ga. –

Another public dealership group is jumping on the used-car outlet concept. Asbury Automotive Group announced Wednesday morning that the retailer will be opening two stand-alone used-car stores in Florida this year that will operate under the “Q auto” brand.

Asbury plans on opening the first store in June in Tampa, Fla., then a second store this fall in Jacksonville, Fla.

The company said it will likely take a year-and-a-half for stores to hit run-rate revenues and profitability.

“Over the last three years, we have grown used vehicle retail unit sales in excess of 55 percent and grown used-vehicle retail gross profit by close to 35 percent,” said company president and chief executive officer Craig Monaghan.

“We remain excited about the opportunities we see in the used-vehicle market and believe there is an opportunity now for us to take our demonstrated used-vehicle retailing talent, technology, and processes and expand into a stand–alone used vehicle retailing model,” he continued. “This year, we plan on opening two free-standing used-vehicle stores, which we are branding as Q auto.”

In other news, the company announced that executive vice president and chief operating officer Michael Kearney will retire on March 31 of next year.

Monaghan said: “We want to thank Michael for his 24 years of service and countless contributions to Asbury.  Michael's commitment to operational excellence leaves us with a strong operations team and a platform for continued success.  We appreciate Michael’s dedication to ensuring a seamless transition and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Kearney added: “While I am looking forward to enjoying more time following personal pursuits, I am also excited for Asbury as it is well positioned for the future. I also want to thank all of Asbury's associates for their dedication and support over the years.”