Sonic Automotive has acquired Jaguar Land Rover Santa Monica from Redwood Automotive, an addition the North Carolina-based dealership group said solidifies its claim as the nation’s largest Jaguar Land Rover retailer.

The Santa Monica store is Sonic’s 11th JLR dealership. Sonic operates 126 franchise locations and 18 EchoPark used-car stores nationwide.

“This acquisition marks another important step in Sonic Automotive’s growth journey,” chairman and CEO David Smith said. “The addition of Jaguar Land Rover Santa Monica strengthens our position in one of the world’s most important luxury markets and reflects the energy driving our company forward.

“We see an extraordinary opportunity ahead, and we will continue to grow in ways that honor our guests, our teammates, our partners and the brands we represent.”

The latest move follows Sonic’s acquisition of four JLR stores in California, announced July 1, a deal the company said made it the No. 1 JLR retail ownership group in the U.S. by volume, based on 2024 sales.

“This expansion is about elevating the customer experience and driving innovation across our network,” Sonic president Jeff Dyke said. “The Santa Monica dealership will help us better serve the vibrant Southern California market and boost our overall sales. More importantly, it allows us to refine our operations and build stronger connections with our customers.

“We’re committed to bringing a consistent, high-quality experience as our presence continues to grow.”

Sudhir Sood, Redwood CEO and dealer principal of JLR Santa Monica, said he expects big things from the dealerships under Sonic’s ownership.

“We are incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve built here in Santa Monica, and we’re grateful for the collaborative and seamless process with Sonic Automotive,” he said. “Their proven leadership in the luxury automotive space makes them a trusted partner to carry our business forward, and we’re confident this transition sets up our team and customers for continued success.”

Healey Brothers launches August Community Food Drive

Healey Brothers Automotive Group has begun its August Community Food Drive to combat hunger across the Hudson Valley region in New York.

The dealership group, in partnership with the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, invites members of the community to drop off non-perishable food items at any of its nine dealership locations in the area through Aug. 31.

“Food insecurity continues to impact families in every corner of our community,” chief marketing officer Jay Healey said. “We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference for our neighbors in need.”

To encourage participation, Healey Brothers has added a friendly competition: the dealership location collecting the most donations during August will receive a special prize.

The Community Food Drive continues Healey Brothers’ longstanding partnership with the food bank. In 2023, the company’s Driven to Give Foundation donated $50,000 to the organization, which provided $250,000 worth of food for families in Orange and Dutchess counties. The final portion of that contribution was delivered in May of this year.