We start this dealer group news roundup in California, where the LAPIS group has launched a new Porsche store in the Tri-Valley region.

LAPIS CEO and dealer principal Todd Blue acquired the Porsche Livermore store in March.

“Porsche is a brand that demands a different level of stewardship,” Blue said in a news release. “We have tremendous respect for what Porsche has built over generations, and our responsibility is to protect that heritage while creating an exceptional experience for the next generation of Porsche enthusiasts.”

LAPIS now includes six dealerships throughout California and Arizona, including Porsche Livermore, Ferrari of Rancho Mirage, Audi Livermore, Land Rover Livermore, Livermore Honda and Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona.

“We don’t view Porsche Livermore simply as a dealership,” Blue said. “We want it to become a destination for the Tri-Valley—a place where people can experience the Porsche brand, connect with one another and develop a relationship with a brand that represents so much in terms of performance, innovation, design and heritage.”

The dealership held a grand opening with Porsche executives, community and business leaders, Porsche enthusiasts, customers and special guests.

Ford store sold in Indiana

Auto Park Ford of La Porte in Indiana  has been acquired by first-time car dealer Matthew Sanderson, a Grand Rapids, Mich., native who purchased the store from Ken Norris.

The sale was announced by Tim Lamb Group, which brokered the sale.

Norris purchased the dealership, which was built in 1996, in 2020. He decided to sell the La Porte store to focus on other dealership operations in Indiana and Michigan.

Tim Lamb Group employees Bob Wolfbauer and Chris Infantino represented Norris and Sanderson, respectively.

“I chose to work with Bob as he understands the Ford approval process like no one else I have ever known. I knew that once we had the right candidate, they would get manufacturer approval,” Norris said in a news release.

Sanderson, who plans to relocate to La Porte, Ind., added: “Chris was a tremendous asset in helping me find my first dealership. Not only did he help us find the right opportunity, but he was instrumental in navigating us through the Ford approval process. His 30-plus years of experience at Ford Motor Company was invaluable. I look forward to working with Chris and the Tim Lamb Group again as I grow my automotive group in the future.”