Ed Morse Automotive Group has moved into Arizona in a big way.

The Florida-based dealership group acquired seven locations in Sierra Vista, Ariz., from Lawley Automotive Group, according to the Dave Cantin Group, which brokered the transaction.

The stores — Lawley’s Team Ford, Lawley Kia, Lawley Nissan, Lawley Chevrolet GMC, Lawley Hyundai, Lawley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Lawley Honda — will all be renamed with the Ed Morse brand.

The new acquisitions are Ed Morse’s first in Arizona, bringing the company’s total to 56 in eight states, with more than 2,750 employees.

“The Arizona market has always been a target for our company as we continue to expand across the county,” Ed Morse Automotive chairman and CEO Teddy Morse said. “Sierra Vista represents the ideal location and these dealerships are the perfect fit, as they are established, family-owned, well-respected and well-run organizations.

“We plan to hit the ground running with great deals and outstanding customer service, while supporting the local community.”

Hudson makes 7th acquisition since December

Hudson Automotive Group continued its explosive growth with the acquisition of Hall Honda Huntersville in Huntersville, N.C., from MileOne Autogroup, according to The Presidio Group, which advised the seller in the deal.

Hudson, based in the Charleston, S.C., area has added seven dealerships since December and now operates 54 locations in eight states. Its newest store is less than a half-mile from a Toyota dealership the group purchased in March.

“Buying this Honda store made perfect sense for Hudson as it gives us another strong brand in this rapidly growing and affluent Charlotte suburb,” Hudson Automotive CEO David Hudson said.

The dealership is Hudson’s 10th Honda store.

MileOne, based in Towson, Md., had purchased Hall Honda Huntersville, its only location in the Charlotte market, in 2020. It operates 70 franchises in the Mid-Atlantic states.

“MileOne is growing in other geographic areas, and we want to concentrate on our core markets with greater scale,” MileOne vice president Michael Fader said.

Earnhardt celebrates 73rd anniversary with $73,000 donation

Earnhardt Auto Centers celebrates its 73rd anniversary on Sept. 4.

So the Phoenix-area dealership group is commemorating the event appropriately — with a $73,000 donation to charity.

The Earnhardt family made the contribution to St. Mary’s Food Bank, which the company said carries on company and family traditions of supporting the communities that have supported them since then-21-year-old Tex Earnhardt opened his first Ford dealership in 1951 – still the youngest franchisee in the automaker’s history.

The group of 17 dealerships is led by Tex Earnhardt’s sons, Hal III and Jim Babe Earnhardt, and grandsons Dodge, Derby and Bull Earnhardt.

“Just over four years ago, we lost our patriarch, father, grandfather, great‐grandfather, mentor and leader,” Derby Earnhardt said.

“And his wish was ours,” Bull Earnhardt added. “One that ensures Earnhardt supports our local communities.”

The donation ceremony was held Tuesday, when the Earnhardts presented a check to St. Mary’s president and CEO Milt Liu.

“Tex wanted everyone to know that we wouldn’t be here were it not for the support of our community,” Hal III and Jim Babe Earnhardt said in a statement, “so we want to be sure we always remember that and pay it forward.”

Liu said the donation will provide more than 360,000 meals for Arizona children, families and seniors in need.

“To be a part of both recognizing and memorializing the spirit of Tex Earnhardt and the company he started 73 years ago is a real honor,” Liu said.