In its 80th year in business, Lithia and Driveway is heading home again.

The giant dealership group has acquired Mercedes-Benz of Medford in Medford, Ore., site of LAD’s corporate headquarters and just 13 miles up Oregon Route 99 from Ashland, where Walt DeBoer founded the company when he opened a Chrysler-Plymouth store in 1946.

Lithia, which operates more than 450 locations in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., purchased the dealership from Lancaster County Motors, according to The Presidio Group, which represented the seller in the transaction.

Lithia has also acquired Toyota of Gallatin in Gallatin, Tenn., from Dave Stumbo.

In a news release, the company said the additions strengthen its portfolio in both luxury and core volume brands while expanding its presence in its hometown.

“Toyota of Gallatin marks our entry in the fast-growing Nashville market,” said LAD president and CEO Bryan DeBoer, Walt’s grandson, “and welcoming a premier luxury store in Medford, where our company was founded, makes this addition especially meaningful as we mark our 80th year serving customers.

“These acquisitions reflect our continued commitment to growing in our hometown and in high-performing markets.”

Lithia said its new locations bring its total year-to-date annualized U.S. revenue acquired to $225 million. The acquisitions were financed using existing on-balance sheet capacity.

Mercedes-Benz of Medford was Lancaster County Motors’ only dealership outside Pennsylvania, where it operates eight locations. Owner Chris Boland said he wanted the store in the hands of a buyer deeply rooted in the local market.

“While Mercedes-Benz of Medford has been an important part of our organization, we thought it best to refocus our operations for the long term with an eye closer to our home market,” Boland said. “Lithia’s longstanding presence in Medford and its passion for the Mercedes-Benz brand make it the ideal steward for the store, our employees and our customers.”

Stumbo continues to operate Toyota of Bowling Green in Bowling Green, Ky., which he’s owned since 1996.

Healey Brothers launches Test Drive Tuesday to benefit local food bank

Healey Brothers Automotive Group is hitting the road for a cause.

The dealership group, which operates 10 locations in New York’s Hudson Valley, has launched its latest charity initiative, Test Drive Tuesday, benefitting the Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley.

Every Tuesday beginning March 3, the company will make a donation to the food bank to help fight hunger across the region for each test drive taken at any Healey Brothers location. Participation is free and no purchase is required to take a test drive.

Healey Brothers said the weekly event offers a fun, interactive way for community members to experience its lineup of vehicles while giving back to neighbors in need.

“Test Drive Tuesday is about turning something as simple and exciting as a test drive into a more meaningful endeavor with far-reaching benefits,” chief marketing officer Jay Healey said. “Our community has always been the driving force behind our success and Healey Brothers has a proud record of community philanthropy. This initiative is another opportunity to give back together.”

In a news release, the company said it will share weekly updates on donation totals and feature customers participating in Test Drive Tuesday on its social media channels with videos, photos and stories.

The initiative is the latest in Healey Brothers’ ongoing partnership with the Regional Food Bank, adding to the Driven to Give Foundation and seasonal food drives. The dealership group said it expects its contributions from Test Drive Tuesday to total some $10,000.

“Contributions from events like Test Drive Tuesday enable the Regional Food Bank to maximize its purchasing power, turning every dollar into multiple meals for families throughout the Hudson Valley,” said Maggie Sutter, the food bank’s director of development. “Support from Healey Brothers has strengthened the food bank’s capacity through the expansion of our distribution center in Orange County.”