Firelands Auto Group sold

PERKINS TWP. — On Tuesday, Michigan-based Feldman Automotive Group announced its acquisition of Firelands Auto Group, which included four dealership locations in Erie County. Financial terms were not disclosed. Tim Lamb — president and director of the northeast region for the Tim Lamb Group, which is widely recognized as the largest auto dealership sales and acquisitions firm in North America, headquartered in Columbus — brokered the deal. This marks Feldman Automotive Group's largest acquisition to date, adding to its current portfolio of dealerships across the Midwest while also expanding its brand portfolio with the addition of Honda and Toyota. Feldman's newly acquired dealerships will keep the Firelands name at all dealerships involved in this sale, which include: • Firelands Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 914 E. Strub Road, Sandusky • Firelands Toyota, 904 E. Strub Road, Sandusky • Firelands Honda, 2301 Hayes Ave. (Ohio 4), Sandusky • Firelands Chevrolet (2315 State Rd.), Vermilion All locations will be open Mondays through Saturdays, offering new and used car sales and a full-service department. A related statement also noted Feldman will retain "the current team of employees to continue to provide the highest level of customer service to (its) loyal guests." "We are proud to welcome these Firelands locations along with their outstanding teams and loyal customers into the Feldman Automotive Group family, said Jay Feldman, chairman/CEO of Feldman Automotive Group. "By introducing Honda and Toyota to our lineup for the first time, we are expanding choice and improving accessibility for all our customers, including access to those in southeast Michigan as well," Feldman said. "Our focus remains on delivering a first-class buying and service experience, and we're excited to build on the trusted relationships these dealerships have established in their communities." Feldman Automotive Group is headquartered in New Hudson, Michigan, nearly 40 miles northwest of Detroit, under the direction of Feldman, who opened his first Chevrolet dealership in 1996. The Feldman Automotive Group has evolved during the past 30 years and owns and operates 25 car and RV/Airstream dealerships representing 14 car brands and 33 RV brands in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio with the addition of Firelands Auto Group. Feldman is also partnered with actor Mark Wahlberg in six locations in Columbus and Cleveland. In addition to representing the company's largest acquisition to date, this expansion marks several key milestones for Feldman Automotive Group: • The inclusion of Firelands Toyota and Firelands Honda introduces both brands to the organization for the first time. • Firelands Chevrolet, meanwhile, becomes its 10th Chevrolet dealership. • Firelands Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram adds to its growing Stellantis footprint as the group's fourth dealership representing the brand. Additionally, the group is building a new 40,000-square-foot dealership location for Firelands Honda in Sandusky that spans over 6 acres with an anticipated opening in the fall. The new Firelands Honda will be located on East Strub Road, just adjacent to the other Firelands dealerships in Sandusky. Firelands Honda will continue serving customers at its current location on Hayes Avenue until the transition to the new dealership is completed this fall. "The Feldman Automotive Group is driven to provide a fast, convenient and first-class buying and customer service experience," according to a statement from the Feldman group. "The team is also very philanthropic with the Feldman Cares program where (its) mission is to give back and support the communities they serve throughout the U.S. They have donated millions to help pediatric patients with critical treatments, medical services, programs, vital medical equipment, and have supported families in need, those with special needs, food insecurities, wounded veterans, animal rescues and more." For years, the "Firelands Auto Group has taken great pride in (its) dedication to an exceptional buying and customer service experience and has chosen Feldman Automotive Group to carry on those same values," the statement read.