AutoNation has made its first purchase of a Toyota store in more than a decade, acquiring Jerry’s Toyota in the Baltimore-Washington area, according to Dave Cantin Group, which advised the seller.

James Stautberg is president of Jerry’s Toyota, which has served the Mid-Atlantic region for over four decades.

The sale was “part of a structured succession plan designed to transition the business while preserving customer continuity, employee opportunity and the legacy the family built,” DCG said in a news release.

“To me, this is a family business,” Stautberg said. “We’ve been part of the Baltimore community since 1957, we’ve sold cars to multiple generations of the same families, and that means everything to me.

“I wanted to entrust this business – and my associates and customers – to someone who would take care of them. AutoNation has a strong reputation in Maryland, and I felt comfortable with the connection Dave Cantin Group established between us,” Stautberg added.

DCG CEO Dave Cantin added, ““Jerry’s Toyota has been a cornerstone of the Mid-Atlantic automotive community for decades. Supporting this multi-generational succession plan and helping this respected organization transition to the next chapter with a world-class operator like AutoNation is an honor. This is a great example of the thoughtful succession planning needed across our industry as consolidation accelerates and ownership dynamics evolve.”

AutoNation continues DRV PNK efforts with NHL’s Panthers

In other news from the dealer group happening further south on I-95, AutoNation teamed up with the hometown hockey club — the NHL’s Florida Panthers — to provide a memorable game-day experience for TaKobe, who is an oncology patient at Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital. The 18-year-old has valiantly fought a rare and aggressive tumor, undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

During the Panthers’ recent game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, TaKobe and his family were treated to a special game-day experience that included Amerant Vault seats and a ride on the “fanboni.”

“At AutoNation, our associates are united by a shared commitment to create a future free from cancer,” AutoNation vice president of corporate communications Lisa Ryans said in a news release.

“We’re proud to partner with the Florida Panthers to bring hope and comfort to children and families at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Moments like this reflect the personal impact of our companywide commitment to drive out cancer.”

Panthers forward AJ Greer and AutoNation associates surprised TaKobe with the fan experience during a visit with pediatric patients at JDCH. They delivered Totes for Hope bags that include plush toys, coloring books and blankets for patients.

“We’re here to support these kids, spend some time with them, really lighten up their day and just get to know them and put a smile on their faces,” Greer said. “We get to spend time with them, lift their spirits, and help them forget what they’re going through, even for a little while. That’s the least we can do.”

The game-day experience and hospital visit continue AutoNation’s DRV PNK campaign, which aims to help causes to eliminate all cancers via prevention, education, research, treatment and survivorship programs.

AutoNation said it has raised and donated more than $45 million to combat cancer to date.

Dealership changes hands in Midwest

Elsewhere in the dealer group landscape, Gregg Young Automotive Group has sold its Gregg Young Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Plattsmouth, Neb., to Janssen Auto Group, according to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the sale.

Gregg Young is president and owner of his family’s group, which includes more than a dozen stores throughout Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska.

“We’re very pleased with the successful sale of our Plattsmouth CDJR store. A big thank you to Matt Willis and Paul Kechnie from Performance Brokerage Services for their professionalism and steady guidance throughout the process,” Young said. “They made the transition smooth, transparent, and efficient. We appreciate their support and look forward to many more buy-sells together in the future.”

The Janssen Auto Group is family owned and operated, and includes eight stores throughout Nebraska.

Dave Janssen and his brother Dan Janssen expanded the group form a single Chrysler store to a group that now includes Chevrolet, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Ford and Honda franchises

“We’re incredibly excited to acquire Gregg Young Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Plattsmouth. This store has a great team and strong community ties, and we’re thrilled to build on that foundation,” Dave Janssen said.

“ This opportunity came together thanks to the outstanding support of Matt Willis of Performance Brokerage Services. Matt connected the dots at every step, guided us through the process, and made the entire acquisition seamless. His professionalism and insight were instrumental in getting this deal done. We’re grateful for his partnership and energized for what’s ahead in Plattsmouth.”

The store will be renamed Janssen Kuenle Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Plattsmouth and retain its location.