Car dealers want their customers to have a warm feeling as they leave the dealership with their new vehicle.

This winter, dealers in the New York City area are working to spread the warmth throughout their community.

The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association partnered with New York Cares to deliver thousands of winter coats for children and families in need to the New York Cares coat drop-off facility in Manhattan, part of GNYADA’s annual Winter Coat Drive and New York Cares’ 37th annual Coat Drive.

In a news release, GNYADA said the coat drive “underscores the role local automobile dealers play in supporting New Yorkers during the coldest months of the year.” The coats, collected by more than 120 area dealers, will be distributed by New York Cares to individuals and families throughout the city’s five boroughs.

“Today is about community, compassion and action,” GNYADA president Mark Schienberg said. “Our dealers don’t just serve customers, they show up for their communities. Every coat delivered today represents warmth, dignity and real support for someone facing winter without enough resources.”

GNYADA said its dealers have donated more than 200,000 coats and raised more than $400,000 to purchase new winter coats for children in the coat drive’s history.

“Winter can be especially harsh for families already facing economic challenges,” New York Cares executive director Sapreet Saluja said. “Thanks to GNYADA’s generosity, caring becomes action, helping thousands of New Yorkers stay warm, safe and reminded that their community is standing with them.”

E1T1 enters luxury territory, acquiring Florida Audi store

E1T1 Automotive Group is back in acquisition mode.

The dealership group — a partnership between dealer-entrepreneurs Jarryd Carver and Mike Terry — has acquired Audi Gainesville in Gainesville, Fla., from Warren Henry Automotive Group, according to Haig Partners, which represented the buyer in the transaction.

The new addition is E1T1’s first Florida store, as well as its first Audi franchise and its entry into the luxury segment. Carver also operates domestic and mid-line import dealerships in Virginia. In 2024, E1T1 acquired a Hyundai store in Texas, where Terry owns several dealerships.

In a news release, Haig Partners said the acquisition makes Carver Florida’s first Black Audi dealer who is also a member of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers.

“This acquisition represents growth aligned with a brand known for innovation, performance and excellence,” Carver said. “We will continue to serve our employees and the Gainesville community with excellence and integrity, building on the strong foundation already in place. We believe strongly in the long-term outlook for Audi and look forward to investing in the team and the market for years to come.”

Haig Partners said Warren Henry Automotive sold the dealership— its only location in North Florida — to “optimize its dealership portfolio and operations.”

The group continues to operate 13 dealerships in South Florida, including several of the nation’s highest-volume Jaguar-Land Rover and Lamborghini dealerships.

“Audi Gainesville has been a meaningful part of our portfolio, and this transaction reflects a disciplined portfolio decision that supports our long-term strategic objectives,” Warren Henry chief financial officer Erik Day said. “We continue to invest heavily in our South Florida luxury platform and remain active in evaluating opportunities in key metropolitan markets.”