Three metro Atlanta automotive dealerships have changed hands in moves reflecting consolidation in the industry.
Jim Ellis Automotive announced it has acquired the Buick GMC franchise at the Mall of Georgia in Buford from longtime dealership owner John Bailey.
Separately, AutoNation said it has acquired Toyota Mall of Georgia and Hyundai Mall of Georgia from John Williams.
Jimmy Ellis, vice president of Jim Ellis Automotive, said that obtaining the Mall of Georgia Buick GMC franchise was "a culmination of efforts over several years" by the company.
Ellis cited the acquisition as a sign of the company's belief in the "long-term prospects" of General Motors' brands.
Jim Ellis now will have three GM franchises, with Jim Ellis Chevrolet and a Buick GMC dealership in Atlanta.
The Mall of Georgia location is scheduled to open under Ellis on August 2.
Bailey, the owner since 1992, said he reached a financial settlement with GM and will continue to own and lease the building to Ellis.
AutoNation, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, is the country's largest automotive retailer. It described Toyota Mall of Georgia as one the largest Toyota stores in the U.S.
The stores will be renamed Team Toyota Mall of Georgia and Team Hyundai Mall of Georgia.
Mike Jackson, chairman and CEO of AutoNation, said, "We continue to see a solid automotive recovery going forward."
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
