Group 1 Automotive is growing again.

The dealership group announced the addition of two dealerships in Florida and one in Texas in recently completed transactions.

The company has acquired Scanlon Auto Group, consisting of Scanlon Lexus and Scanlon Acura in Fort Myers, Fla., from the Scanlon family, and Mercedes-Benz of South Austin in Austin, Texas, from Swickard Auto Group.

Group 1, which operates 263 dealerships and 39 collision centers in the U.S. and U.K., said its new stores complement its existing operations and support growth in its key “cluster” markets. Group 1 now has three locations in Fort Myers and eight in Austin.

In a news release, the company said it expects the dealerships to generate $330 million in annual revenues. Group 1 has now acquired an estimated $430 million of annual revenues in 2025, which follows $3.9 billion of acquired revenues in 2024.

“We want to welcome our new Florida and Texas teammates to Group 1,” president and CEO Daryl Kenningham said. “We are confident these highly desirable luxury brands will be exceptional additions to our portfolio.

“Our execution and strong cash flow continue to allow us to grow through acquisitions, while also returning capital to our shareholders through share buybacks.”

The company said it has repurchased 401,649 shares at an average price of $416.62 for a total of $167.3 million so far this year.

For Scanlon Auto, the sale ends 44 years of operating its dealerships in Fort Myers. The group was founded in 1980 by John Scanlon and was operated by Scanlon and his son, Jay.

The Fort Myers News-Press reported the Scanlons sent a farewell email to their customers, thanking them for “44 unforgettable years” and adding, “We are profoundly grateful for every handshake, every visit, every story shared in our showroom or service lane. Whether you came to Scanlon Acura or Scanlon Lexus to buy your very first car, or simply stopped in for an oil change, please know you’ve been a part of something meaningful.”

Ferrari store puts Zeigler in the supercar business

Zeigler Auto Group has added supercars to its portfolio with the acquisition of Ferrari Lake Forest in Lake Bluff, Ill., from Rick Mancuso, who founded the dealership in 1981.

The acquisition not only gives Zeigler a Ferrari store. The dealership also sells ultra-high-performance brands Pagani, Koenigsegg and Automobili Pininfarina.

“The Mancuso family has built an ultra-luxury dealership known not only for its exclusive inventory and service, but for its legacy, heart and commitment to its customers,” Zeigler Auto Group president Aaron Zeigler said. “We intend to build on that legacy, with their help, and take it to even greater heights.”

In a news release, Zeigler Auto said Ferrari Lake Forest has earned national recognition for its white-glove service, high-profile clientele and strong family values. Mancuso started the dealership as a small storefront in downtown Lake Forest and has grown it into a state-of-the-art ultra-luxury dealership.

The Kalamazoo, Mich.-based dealership group, which operates 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, said it plans to continue to work with the Mancuso family and retain existing personnel.

“We’re really excited and honored to become part of the Zeigler Group,” Mancuso said. “Together we can develop even higher levels of client care and appreciation. It’s a dream come true for us.”

NADA pushes for Senate to block California emissions waiver

The National Automobile Dealers Association is urging the U.S. Senate to continue the House’s push to block California emissions standards that would ban sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035.

NADA president and CEO Mike Stanton sent a letter to Senators today advocating for passage of a joint resolution (H.J. Res.88) revoking a waiver allowing California and 11 other states to implement the Advanced Clean Cars II rule, which was granted by the Environmental Protection Agency in the final days of the Biden Administration.

The ACC II mandates begin in 2026, when 35% of all new vehicles sold must be zero-emission vehicles. That percentage increases each year, to 43% in 2027 and 53% in 2028, continuing to rise until reaching 100% in 2035.

“A majority of ZEVs today are sold at franchised dealerships, and dealers have promoted electrification of America’s fleet with billions of dollars of their own capital already committed to investments in facilities, training and inventory,” Stanton wrote. “However, consumer demand for EVs is not on pace to meet California’s mandates.”

Stanton cited the high price of EVs — an average transaction price of $59,205 — inadequate public charging infrastructure and long charging times as reason for sluggish demand.

“Banning gas and hybrid cars is a national issue that should be decided by Congress, not an unelected state agency,” the letter said. “NADA urges the Senate to pass H.J. Res.88 as soon as possible to stop California’s ban on new gas cars and support a single, national fuel economy standard set by Congress.”

Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said today the Senate will begin debate on the resolution, which was passed by the House of Representatives on May 1, this week. The resolution would nullify the waiver using the Congressional Review Act, which requires a simple majority vote, as opposed to a bill, which would require 60 votes to avoid a filibuster.

That’s a controversial strategy, as the Government Accountability Office and the Senate parliamentarian have issued opinions stating the waivers are not subject to the Congressional Review Act because they are not considered rules, but rather “adjudicatory orders”. But those are both advisory with no authority to make binding decisions for Congress.