This dealership news roundup begins with another Canadian-based group expanding its footprint in the United States.

A couple of days after Steele Auto Group finalized an acquisition with Group 1 Automotive, Knight Automotive Group made a deal with the John Elway Dealership Group.

According to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services, the firm assisted in the sale of John Elway’s Claremont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in California to Knight.

The firm said the dealership will remain at its current location at 620 Auto Center Drive in Claremont, Calif., and has been renamed Knight Claremont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Knight Automotive Group was founded by Ted Knight more than 45 years ago, and is now led by his son and president, Kevin Knight.

Knight Automotive Group is one of the largest dealers in Canada with 14 locations. This acquisition marks the group’s third dealership in southern California.

Knight Automotive Group vice president Braeden Mueller said in the news release, “The Knight Group wants to thank Jason Stopnitzky and his team for their efforts in finding another store that aligned with our objectives. Jason has continued to impress us with his level of market knowledge and professionalism through the entire process. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Performance Brokerage Services.”

Stopnitzky is the co-founder Performance Brokerage Services and was the exclusive agent for this transaction.

“We recently worked with Kevin Knight and Braeden Mueller of Knight Automotive Group on their acquisition of two Ford dealerships in California and are proud to have assisted with their third transaction in the US. We look forward to working with both groups again in the future and wish them both tremendous success,” Stopnitzky said.

John Elway Dealership Group is headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and was established in 2004. The group now operates seven dealerships across California, Colorado and Utah.

“This is our second transaction with the John Elway Dealership Group, recently having sold to them Porsche of Salt Lake City. It is always a pleasure working with such a professional and first-class organization, and we thank them for entrusting our firm with the sale,” Stopnitzky said.

Established California VW store changes hands

According to another news release from Performance Brokerage Services, the firm helped to facilitate the sale of Volkswagen of Oakland in California from Mike Murphy to Putnam Auto Group.

Volkswagen of Oakland is located in the heart of downtown Oakland and has been a part of its community since the late 1950s. The announcement indicated the dealership will remain at its current location at 2740 Broadway.

The dealership has been family owned and operated for the past 26 years by the Murphy family, with Mike Murphy serving as president and his two sons, Chris and Mike Jr., serving as general manager and used car manager.

Following the sale, Murphy said, “I have been an auto dealer in the San Francisco Bay area for 40 years. As I was approaching retirement, I reached out to Jason Stopnitzky of Performance Brokerage Services to handle the sale of my dealership. Having worked with Jason in the past on other transactions, I was always impressed with his professionalism and attention to detail. Jason found me an excellent buyer and the whole process went smoothly. I am very grateful to Jason and the entire team at Performance Brokerage Services who were a joy to do business with.”

Putnam Auto Group has been serving the Bay Area since 1965. Putnam Auto Group established their presence in Northern California when Joe Putnam acquired a Buick dealership in Burlingame, and they are now one of the oldest dealership groups in the Bay Area. The group offers 16 brands across its 13 dealerships in California.

During the last past five years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of more than 250 dealerships.

“I have known Mike Murphy for the past 20 years. It was an honor and a privilege to help him retire from the auto industry after 40 years and represent his family through this legacy transition. I want to congratulate Mike on his well-deserved retirement and wish him luck on his next chapter,” Stopnitzky said.

Mike Calvert Toyota announces VIP program for registered nurses

Mike Calvert Toyota is looking to help crucial providers of medical care.

The store that’s part of Vaughan Automotive announced its commitment to nurses at the frontline with its Noble Nurse VIP Program. This program is dedicated to emphasizing and appreciating the importance of nurses by providing them with complimentary car services, discounts and programs.

“Mike Calvert Toyota’s priority is to give back to the nurses who have put themselves on the frontline and given so much to the community,” Vaughan Automotive owner and chief executive officer Shawn Vaughan said in a news release.

“To show our appreciation, we want to provide Texas registered nurses with automotive services, programs, and the recognition and appreciation that they deserve,” Vaughan continued.

The Mike Calvert Toyota Noble Nurse VIP Program is available to registered nurses with the purchase of a new Toyota or certified pre-owned Toyota. This program includes oil changes for life (a $1,493.85 value over five years), free sanitation of vehicle interiors, and a free car wash, vacuum and tire shine with service.

Nurses are also provided with a $500 dealer discount on selected vehicles and 10% off accessories, maintenance and repair.

Nurses that are platinum members of the Texas Nurses Association receive prepaid rental assistance with repair (48 hours only) and complimentary services.

During May, which also is National Nurses Month, Mike Calvert Toyota provided any registered nurse with a free oil change and tire rotation.

This year, Mike Calvert Toyota issued 138 free services to nurses, with a total investment of $4,907 in giving back to the community.