Feldman Automotive Group made its biggest deal yet.

The dealership group, based in New Hudson, Mich., has acquired Firelands Auto Group from Patrick O’Brien, a transaction that includes four stores in Northern Ohio.

The addition of Firelands Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Firelands Toyota and Firelands Honda in Sandusky, and Firelands Chevrolet in Vermilion brings Feldman’s total to 23 locations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Ten of those are in Ohio, where Feldman operates six dealerships in Columbus and Cleveland in partnership with actor Mark Wahlberg.

Jay Feldman

The new acquisitions will retain the Firelands name, the company said.

The purchase gives Feldman its first Honda and Toyota stores, and Firelands Chevrolet is the group’s 10th Chevy location.

“By introducing Honda and Toyota to our lineup for the first time, we are expanding choice and improving accessibility for all our customers, including access to those in Southeast Michigan as well,” said chairman and CEO Jay Feldman, who founded Feldman Automotive in 1996. “Our focus remains on delivering a first-class buying and service experience, and we’re excited to build on the trusted relationships these dealerships have established in their communities.”

In a news release, Feldman Automotive said it is building a new 40,000-square foot facility location for Firelands Honda spanning six acres, which is expected to open this fall. The store will remain open at its current location while construction is ongoing.

Texas dealers say bonjour to Paris dealership

That’s Paris, Texas, where Bill Dickason and Steve Hall have acquired Mathews Honda from John Mathews of Mathews Auto Group, a transaction announced by Haig Partners, which represented the seller.

Dickason made his name as owner-operator of Southwest Kia, a group of five dealerships in the Dallas and Austin markets that he sold to Lithia Motors in 2021. He currently owns Bill Dickason Chevrolet in Gladewater, Texas.

Hall established driversselect, a hugely successful used-car dealership in Dallas, in 2004 and sold the operation to Sonic Automotive’s EchoPark division in 2017.

“I congratulate Bill Dickason and Steve Hall,” Mathews said, “two highly respected operators in the Texas automotive community, on the acquisition.”

In a news release, Haig Partners said the sale of the Honda store represents a strategic decision by Mathews to reallocate capital into the full-size truck segment while continuing to invest in and serve the Paris market. Mathews continues to operate a Nissan dealership in Paris., which Haig said reaffirms his long-term commitment to his employees, the community and the Nissan brand.

“We are proud of what we’ve built here,” Mathews said. “Our focus remains on continuing to support our employees, serve our customers and grow our Nissan business here in Paris.”

Mathews’ career began as a lot porter after he dropped out of high school and experienced homelessness early in life. He rose through the ranks to general manager before joining longtime business partner Tim Anderson to become a dealer principal.

“Always bet on yourself and the ones you trust around you,” Mathews added.

Luther Automotive named Best of Twin Cities

Luther Automotive has earned gold in its home market.

The dealership group, based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, received a Gold distinction in the auto dealership category of Mpls.St. Paul magazine’s Best of the Twin Cities 2026 readers’ poll.

For 2026, the publication expanded its ballot to 160 categories in dining, retail, entertainment, health and services sectors with nominations collected through a write-in process beginning in November 2025 and final voting conducted in early 2026.

Winners were determined entirely by reader votes.

The recognition is not Luther Automotive’s first in the Twin Cities market. The group has earned Gold honors in the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Minnesota’s Best Readers’ Choice Awards for five consecutive years, winning in the Best New Car Dealership, Best Used Car Dealership, Best Auto Service Center, Best Auto Body Shop and Best Customer Service categories.

Luther Automotive, which has served Minnesota for more than 65 years, currently operates 50 locations in seven states.