This dealer news roundup includes another buy-sell move in the Sunshine State as well as a member of Congress traveling from Washington, D.C., to visit a Kia dealership in his district in Washington State.

According to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services distributed on Tuesday, Crown Automotive Group sold Crown Mitsubishi in St. Petersburg, Fla., to TKO Group.

The announcement indicated Crown Mitsubishi will be relocated to 8350 Park Boulevard North in Seminole, Fla., and will be renamed St. Pete Mitsubishi.

Crown Automotive Group was represented by Robert A. Bass at Bass Sox Mercer in Tallahassee, Fla.

TKO Group was represented by Eric Pridgen at Underwood & Roberts in Raleigh, N.C.

Federal lawmaker visits Kia store

On Sept. 11, Car Pros Kia Tacoma hosted Rep. Derek Kilmer, who represents Washington’s Sixth District.

During the visit, Kilmer met with Car Pros CEO Matthew Phillips and team members and had the opportunity to experience Kia’s lineup of ICE and electric vehicles.

Kilmer and the Car Pros team also discussed the value of the franchised dealer system, as well as Car Pros’ commitment to the EV revolution and the potential positive economic and environmental impact of the transition to electrification.

According to a news release, Car Pros Automotive Group operates four of the top five Kia dealerships generating retail EV sales this year through August.

Furthermore, Car Pros Kia Tacoma and Car Pros Kia Renton combined to retail more than 36% of the new Kia vehicles delivered in western Washington, according to the release.

“We were honored to have Congressman Kilmer visit our Tacoma dealership. He has represented Washington’s 6th district for 10 years and has worked to promote local economic development and the importance of being responsible stewards of our natural resources. As a business operating in his district, we are proud to contribute to, and support, this mission,” Phillips said. “We also enjoyed sharing with Congressman Kilmer Car Pros’ dedication to the advancement of electrification, and our commitment to educating the community, employees, and customers about EVs.

“People turn to dealerships for help with buying, selling, or fixing a car. They turn to dealerships for jobs and opportunities. Local dealerships often provide funding and sponsorships for local schools, sports teams, and nonprofit organizations. We proudly embrace our role as a franchised dealer, within the community and our industry,” Phillips continued.