A 'Victory' for auto group

PERKINS TWP. — Driven to satisfy their customers, an area auto group claimed a major win for their ever-evolving car business. Firelands Auto Group recently purchased Victory Honda at Hayes (Ohio 4) and Perkins avenues near Sandusky High School. An official announcement, for what's now known as Firelands Honda, took place this past week. Financial details were not disclosed. Because Victory Honda acted as an independently operated franchise, formerly owned by Victory Auto Group, the selling process went quicker as compared to dealing with a licensed franchisee. Firelands Auto Group owner Patrick O'Brien explained why he wanted to acquire a Honda dealership for his company's growing portfolio. "Honda is a really good brand. And I wanted to add more brands and make what we own into a true auto campus," said O'Brien, referring to an area on Strub Road near Milan Road (U.S. 250) by Menards where his business operates two dealerships: for Toyota as well as one being built for Chryslers, Dodges, Jeeps and Rams, which should debut in the near future. O'Brien eventually wants Firelands Honda relocated to this campus. For the time being, however, he'll continue to operate this dealership at its current location. At Firelands Honda, a transformation is already evident all around the site. "Just in one day, we have probably five times more cars than they had before us here," O'Brien said. "We are also re-landscaping things right now, updating the lights, the outside, the interior and more. We just want to clean and spruce the place up." Honda, according to industry experts, represents one of the highest-quality and most reliable product lines of automobiles worldwide. "They are a big job supporter and manufacturer in Ohio, and I thought it would be great to have Honda," O'Brien said. "We often have customers that come in looking for Hondas." Beyond Firelands Honda, Firelands Auto Group now owns and operates: • A Chevy and Buick dealership as well as the Firelands Collision Center in Norwalk • A Chevy dealership in Vermilion • The Toyota as well as Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealerships in Sandusky O'Brien welcomes people to come in and check out the company's inventory at any of its sites. "We want our business to be an enjoyable experience," O'Brien said. "It's not a typical car dealership experience: We are very upfront and transparent."