While one dealer group broke ground on a new rooftop, another dealer group continued the ongoing trend of acquiring existing stores.

Another development in what’s been a busy stretch for Sonic Automotive, the company recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction of Audi Downtown Nashville, a two-story, 35,000-square-foot building located at 15 Lindsley Avenue in the heart of the Music City’s SoBro neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Performance Brokerage Services announced the sale of Nevada Auto Mall in Nevada, Mo., from Dan Hope to Bob Jacaway and Mark Muller of Max Motors.

Earlier this week, Sonic highlighted a move in the Show Me State, as well, boosting its used-car operations with the opening of an EchoPark Automotive retail hub in St. Louis. That announcement came on the heels of a community-driven project in Florida at EchoPark Automotive Tampa.

Sonic recapped in a news release that it conducted focus groups with Nashville residents in 2020 to test the concept and location for Audi Downtown Nashville. The company indicated the focus groups overwhelmingly liked the downtown location and felt the energy of SoBro, partnered with progressive and innovative digital tools, would bring a “tech-forward” Audi experience to downtown Nashville.

Sonic highlighted Audi Downtown Nashville will be an innovative space where guests can test-drive new Audi models, build and customize their ideal Audi, and enjoy convenient Audi service from factory-trained technicians, bringing the future of automotive luxury directly to Nashville.

“Our Audi Nashville dealership has built a reputation for innovation, luxury, and exceptional customer care, and we are excited to expand that level of excellence into an exciting new destination at Audi Downtown Nashville,” Sonic chief executive officer David Smith said in the news release.

“This new location will be the first of the Audi of America brand to feature an evolutionary new way for consumers to shop, buy, and service their vehicles and experience our Audi Nashville team’s exceptional guest experience,” Smith continued.

As part of the seamless digital guest experience at Audi Downtown Nashville, customers will be able to select any Audi model from either Nashville location for convenient pickup, empowering them with more technology, complete transparency, and the most convenient way to give their Audi the service it deserves.

“We are thrilled to partner with Audi of America on this new concept,” Sonic president Jeff Dyke said. “We’ve assembled a top-notch team to bring this innovative dealership model to life and are looking forward to providing guests in Nashville and surrounding areas with a unique way to shop for and service their vehicles.”

Dealerships change hands in Missouri

According to that news release from Performance Brokerage Services, Nevada Auto Mall was established by Dan Hope in 1994 and remained family owned and operated since opening its doors.

The firm highlighted Hope began his career selling vehicles in 1969 before he acquired his first dealership in 1975. After more than 50 years in the business, Hope is looking forward to retirement, according to Performance Brokerage Services.

Max Motors was established in 2006 in Butler, Mo. During the past 16 years, the company has expanded to 10 dealerships and one collision center across Missouri and Kansas. This acquisition marks the group’s second location in Nevada, Mo.

The dealership will remain at its current location at 2501 East Austin Boulevard in Nevada, Mo., and has been renamed Max Ford of Nevada and Max Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Nevada.

As part of the acquisition, the dealerships will retain their employees, including Hope’s son and grandson.

“Nevada Auto Mall and the Hope family name have been doing business for 25 years and are known throughout the region for delivering a pleasurable buying experience,” Max Motors president and CEO Bob Jacaway said in the news release from Performance Brokerage Services. “It’s our mission to continue that legacy with Nevada Auto Mall as part of the Max Motors family.”