Cochran, Morgan Advance in 2018 Top 150 Dealer Rankings
Acquisitions helped #1 Cochran Automotive and Morgan Auto improve their positions in Automotive News’ most recent list of the nation’s biggest auto retailers, but the top 10 remain entrenched.
Rob Cochran is the owner of #1 Cochran Automotive. The Monroeville, Pa.-based company took the biggest leap in Automotive News’ latest rankings of the Top 150 Dealership Groups, climbing 22 spots to No. 71.
DETROIT — Automotive News has released its annual rankings of America’s Top 150 Dealership Groups. Among the big gainers are #1 Cochran Automotive of Western Pennsylvania, which acquired three dealerships and increased sales by 31% in 2018, and Central Florida’s Morgan Auto Group, which added eight stores and grew sales by a list-leading 35%.
Cochran moved up 22 places to No. 71 on the list and Morgan broke into the top 25, climbing 11 spots to No. 24. Westwood, Mass.-based Prime Automotive Group, which moved up 53 places to No. 13 in 2017, advanced to No. 11 last year. But the top 10 are unchanged, albeit with some reshuffling:
AutoNation Inc.
Penske Automotive Group
Lithia Motors Inc. (No. 4 in 2017)
Group 1 Automotive Inc. (No. 3 in 2017)
Sonic Automotive Inc.
Hendrick Automotive Group
Asbury Automotive Group Inc.
Larry H. Miller Dealerships (No. 9 in 2017)
Ken Garff Automotive Group (No. 8 in 2017)
Staluppi Auto Group
Groups that fell in the new rankings include Ken Page Auto Group (down 30 spots to No. 66), Car Pros Automotive Group (down 28 to No. 84), and Piercey Automotive Group (down 19 to No. 68). Reagor Dykes Auto Group of Texas and California’s Momentum Auto Group were ranked in the top 150 in 2017 but did not appear on the new list after facing major operational issues last year.
Among the biggest retailers who declined to answer the Automotive News survey are Berkshire Hathaway Automotive and the parent company of the group owned by Florida dealer Terry Taylor. Berkshire Hathaway acquired the Van Tuyl Group in 2014, when it was ranked No. 5 in the nation.
To read the Automotive News report in its entirety, click here.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom
Dealers a Little Down
A third-quarter Cox Automotive survey finds them in a mixed mood, bummed by fallen customer traffic but encouraged by better profits, costs and EV interest.
Read More →
European EV Sales Skyrocket
The EV market on the continent held strong in July with almost 25% of new-car sales being fully electric units, a stark contrast to the U.S., where EV sales declined about 42%.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Used Lots Getting the Business
Many consumers are seeking out the units to save money, and the demand – higher in July than normal – is keeping supply limited and prices up.
Read More →
Used Market Stabilizes
The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.
Read More →
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →
My Mercedes in the U.S.
The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.
Read More →
Used Sales Hit Summer Drag
The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.
Read More →
California Launches EV Rebate Program
Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →