A large dealership group added another state to its footprint — in a big way.

Ed Morse Automotive Group said it is acquiring seven dealerships in Sierra Vista, Ariz., from Lawley Automotive Group. They’ll be Ed Morse’s first locations in the state.

The deal includes Lawley Chevrolet GMC, Lawley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Lawley’s Team Ford, Lawley Honda, Lawley Hyundai, Lawley Kia and Lawley Nissan.

“Expanding into the Arizona market is tremendously exciting,” chairman and CEO Teddy Morse said in a news release. “This deal with Lawley is the ideal fit, as they are an established, family-owned, well-respected and well-run group of dealerships. We look forward to continuing their tradition of impeccable customer service and serving the community well.”

The new dealerships expand Ed Morse Automotive’s holdings to 55 dealership locations and 111 automotive, motorcycle and marine franchises representing 33 different brands in eight states. The Florida-based company, which employs more than 2,500, also operates in Florida, Texas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Colorado and Oklahoma.

Doggett Automotive acquires Mike Smith Auto Complex

Doggett Automotive Group has acquired the Mike Smith Auto Complex in Beaumont, Texas, a facility that includes five dealerships representing the Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram, Volkswagen and Nissan brands.

The Houston-based business said it purchased the dealerships from “a large Houston publicly traded automotive conglomerate.”

Doggett, which owns 47 industrial dealerships for brands such as John Deere, Freightliner and LinkBelt, entered the automotive sector in 2018 with the acquisition of Houston’s Lone Star Ford. Last year, the company added Kinsel Auto in Beaumont, which includes Ford, Toyota, Mazda and Lincoln dealerships.

“Doggett is very excited to bring to the Golden Triangle our high-energy family-oriented approach bred from our John Deere heritage,” executive vice president Jason Mosley said.

Foundation Automotive volunteers, donates to Meals on Wheels

Team members from Foundation Automotive volunteered with Meals on Wheels to help package meals for seniors and individuals in need over the holiday season.

Meals on Wheels provides nourishing meals and companionship to those who are homebound, promoting independence and improving the quality of life for seniors and people facing mobility challenges.

“Volunteering at Meals on Wheels was a rewarding and humbling experience,” said Corey Byrd, chief operating officer for Foundation, which operates more than 30 dealerships in Texas, Colorado, Tennessee and North Dakota. “Everyone who participated walked away wanting to do more for our community. It was great to be able to work as one team and make a positive impact.”

In addition to volunteering, Foundation Automotive donated $10,000 to Meals on Wheels to directly support the organization’s mission to combat hunger and isolation among vulnerable community members.

Foundation Automotive’s volunteers also wrapped gifts, made ornaments for trees and packed lunches.

The company said the experience helped the team connect with the community and see the positive impact of their efforts firsthand.

“Our success is measured not just by the vehicles we sell but by the positive impact we can make in our community,” Foundation CEO Kevin Kutschinski said. “Our team is passionate about making a difference, and this initiative aligns with our core values to do the right thing by giving back to the communities we serve.”