Murgado Automotive Group has expanded into Virginia with the acquisition of Mercedes-Benz of Richmond and Mercedes-Benz of Midlothian from Rod McGeorge.

The dealerships are Murgado Automotive’s first in Virginia, joining franchises in Florida, Illinois and New Jersey. The group now operates a total of 26 dealerships.

“Mercedes-Benz of Richmond and Mercedes-Benz of Midlothian have been top performers for decades in Central Virginia,” Murgado Automotive CEO Mario Murgado said in a news release.

“I want to thank both the McGeorge family for working with us on this opportunity, and Mercedes-Benz for trusting our company to build on the legacy of the dealerships and one of the most recognizable brands in the world.”

The transaction represents the end of the McGeorge family of dealerships since 1968, which began when David McGeorge opened Mercedes-Benz of Richmond in 1955. Last month, David McGeorge’s grandson, Rod, sold McGeorge Toyota to Graham Ourisman Automotive.

“My grandfather entered the franchised auto retail business with Mercedes-Benz of Richmond and a vision to grow,” Rod McGeorge said. “My father carried it forward. And now, as I step away, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride in what we built over these decades, and I look forward to spending some time enjoying the fruits of all the labor and dedication.

“It’s been an incredible journey. I’m excited to see Murgado Automotive Group continue the tradition of excellence we’ve established.”

Murgado praised the dealership’s performance and the McGeorges’ legacy.

“It’s humbling to succeed a dealership group that has been built from the ground up and is now run by a third-generation leader,” he said. “We, too, are passionate about our family-owned operations and are eager to introduce our unique brand of automotive retailing to Central Virginia, all while honoring our predecessors and Mercedes-Benz.”

Texas dealership event raises $17,500 for charity

Vic Vaughan Toyota of Boerne, Texas raised more than $17,500 with its inaugural Karnival 4 Kids event.

The fundraiser, which the dealership plans to make an annual event, benefited LOVE Kendall County Kids, an organization that assists children in Kendall County by providing services such as beds for children, access to camps, critical house repairs for families in need and monthly gifts for children in group homes.

The dealership filled its parking lot with some 20 game booths, bounce houses, a magician, face painting, a photo booth, a petting zoo, food and drink, and other activities. Free carnival tickets were provided to children of families who could not afford them.