Walser Automotive Group has added a new brand — along with a new location in its home market.

The dealership group, based in Minneapolis suburb Bloomington, Minn., has opened its first Kia store, Walser Kia, in nearby Minnetonka.

The new franchise is led by general manager Campbell Walser, son of company partner Paul Walser and nephew of CEO Andrew Walser, who returns home to Minnesota after serving as GM of Mercedes-Benz of Wichita.

“What’s exciting for me is being in one of my favorite parts of town with the hottest brand in the world right now,” Campbell Walser said. “This is an incredible opportunity in a great neighborhood and city. Our team is thrilled to launch this store from the ground up and to pair Kia’s innovative spirit with the customer-first experience Walser is known for.”

Kia is the second new brand added to Walser’s portfolio this year. The group acquired its first Mitsubishi franchise in February and opened Walser Mitsubishi in Burnsville, Minn. — also in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market — in the spring.

Walser Automotive operates 28 retail locations in Minnesota, Kansas and Illinois, as well as rental and collision services businesses in Minnesota, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas and Georgia. The company said it plans to open a boutique Lamborghini retail location in Wayzata, Minn., in late 2026.

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth begins renovation

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth has begun a major renovation aimed at enhancing the dealership experience.

In a news release, the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Fort Worth, Texas said it plans to add a new showroom, updated service facilities and a “reimagined” client lounge called The Living Room, that will offer seating, a self-service coffee bar and space for relaxed conversations between clients and their sales or service advisors.”

The lounge and showrooms will feature the Mercedes-Benz Evolution Design, including contemporary architecture and glass facades.

“This renovation is more than updating our space — it’s about reaffirming our commitment to Fort Worth as a community partner,” general manager George Johnson said. “Our new design not only meets the needs of today’s luxury car guests but also anticipates the expectations of tomorrow.”

The renovation is expected to be completed in mid-2026. The dealership will be open during the construction, with sales moving temporarily to the nearby Park Place Bodywerks and service remaining onsite.

The Park Place Motorcars facelift will add more service bays and expand the parts department to accommodate the growth of Mercedes-Benz clients in Fort Worth, the dealership said.

“Our goal is to create an environment that reflects the energy, professionalism and excellence our guests anticipate and our members bring to work every day,” Park Place Dealerships area vice president Matt Woolsey said. “This renovation sets the tone for where we’re headed — higher performance, an elevated client experience and even greater pride in how we take care of our guests and our community.”

The Fort Worth location is one of Park Place Dealerships’ nine luxury stores, which were acquired by Asbury Automotive Group in 2020.