Hunter Automotive Group has moved into the big city.

The Henderson, N.C.-based dealership group announced it has acquired Victory Chevrolet in Charlotte from Brandon Gandy, its first location in the state’s largest market.

“Charlotte is a key market for our strategic growth,” Hunter Automotive owner and CEO David Hunter said. “We are focused on expanding our successful operating model into this new area while continuing our long tradition of community involvement. We are proud to welcome the Victory Chevrolet team into the Hunter family and look forward to serving the Charlotte community.”

Hunter Automotive, founded in 1940, operates five dealerships and a collision center in Hendersonville and nearby Fletcher, N.C., in the Asheville area.

In a news release, the company said it plans to extend its long-standing initiative, the Hometown Promise, into the Charlotte area. The program strategically supports local nonprofits and organizations dedicated to causes such as food security, education and community wellness.

Hunter Automotive said bringing the program to Charlotte is a “foundational element” of its expansion strategy.

Penske closes on purchase of Central Florida Lexus stores

Penske Automotive Group has closed on the acquisition of Lexus of Orlando and nearby Lexus of Winter Park in Central Florida from Jimmy Bryan Sr.

Penske, which operates more than 350 dealerships in eight countries on four continents, said the addition of the high-performing Lexus dealerships strengthens its premium luxury portfolio, its presence in Florida and its relationship with the Lexus brand.

Penske announced an agreement to purchase the stores in January. The company said the deal, which includes associated real estate, was funded using cash flow from operations and availability under its U.S. credit agreement.

The company said it expects its newly acquired dealerships to add $450 million in annualized revenue, increasing its total from its Florida holdings by almost 50%.

With this latest deal, Penske has added four Lexus and two Toyota locations since November. Those stores are expected to generate annualized revenue of some $2 billion.

North American operations officer Rich Shearing said Penske is “proud to expand our partnership with Lexus in a market with a long-term growth potential.

“These premier dealerships have built a strong reputation for exceptional customer service and operational excellence. We look forward to continuing that legacy while leveraging the company’s existing infrastructure in Central Florida.”

Legacy Auto Center adds Hyundai franchise to its SW Kansas location

Legacy Auto Center, which began as a used-car dealership, is now adding another franchise to its store.

Dealer principal Jason Dougherty and his wife, Jennifer, owners of Legacy Auto Center, have acquired Hyundai of Dodge City in Dodge City, Kan., from the G1 Group, according to Performance Brokerage Services, which represented the seller in the transaction.

Legacy Auto Center, located in Garden City, Kan., opened in 2010 as an independent dealership with a staff consisting of the owners and one part-time secretary. Five years later, the Doughertys were offered a Chrysler franchise and transformed their operation into a Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealership.

In a news release, Performance Brokerage Services said the Doughertys plan to relocate their new Hyundai dealership to the existing Legacy campus in Garden City and rename it Legacy Hyundai of Southwest Kansas.

Jason Dougherty called the acquisition “an opportunity to grow our presence in the Southwest Kansas market,” adding, “we’re excited to continue expanding and building on this momentum.”

The G1 Group is an investment firm based in Wichita, Kan., with holdings in automotive, entertainment, finance, real estate, sports, technology and transportation, with a primary focus on the automotive sector. The name G1 stands for “first generation” to reflect the entrepreneurial background of the group’s founding partners.

The company employs more than 170 people and generates annual revenues exceeding $100 million. Its automotive investments include four franchise dealerships, a used-car store, F&I provider Guardian Protection and dealership software provider VINCUE, all based in Kansas.

Lopez Automotive grows in South Georgia

Florida-based Lopez Automotive Group has added a second location in South Georgia.

The company has acquired Five Star Nissan of Albany from Wes and Dick Pope of Five Star Automotive Group, a deal announced by Performance Brokerage Services, which represented the buyer.

Lopez Automotive, which also operates dealerships in Vero Beach and Tallahassee, Fla., as well as a Mitsubishi store in Albany, is led by president Lazaro Lopez, who began as a detailer at a Mitsubishi dealership at 19 and bought his first Mitsubishi dealership in Vero Beach in 2020.

Its newest acquisition will be renamed Albany Nissan.

Five Star was founded in 1986 by the Pope and the Cantrell families, opening its first dealership in Macon, Ga. The group now includes 20 locations in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee.