MENU
SEARCHMajor U.S. group picks up one of the biggest dealership collections in the state
The acquired auto group represents 15 franchises across a dozen stores.
Kerrigan Advisors
A leading Louisiana auto group has been acquired by one of the biggest groups in the country, ending a nearly 40-year local family business run.
The Baton Rouge-area All Star Automotive Group of 15 franchises across a dozen stores changed hands to South Carolina-based buyer Hudson Automotive Group in a sale brokered by Kerrian Advisors.
What started as a lone Ford-Lincoln-Mercury dealership in 1987 by Matt McKay grew into the state capital region’s leading auto group. Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s most populous parish.
The group represents the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, Chevrolet, Ford and Lincoln, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, Nissan and Toyota brands, all within a 10-mile radius. The stores generate nearly 20% of the market’s new-vehicles sales, Kerrigan said.
“This was an important and emotional transaction for our family,” said All Star founder Matt McKay, who decided to retire.
“Hudson Automotive is a well-established, highly respected organization, and we have no doubt that our employees, customers and community will benefit from their commitment to excellence.”
Hudson is in its third generation of family ownership. Its some 55 stores stretch from its home state to Alabama, California, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee.
Hudson Auto CEO David Hudson said the group plans to retain All Star’s 700 employees. “We look forward to honoring All Star’s legacy, serving the Baton Rouge community, and continuing the tradition of excellence that has defined these dealerships for decades.”
McKay’s community involvement over All Star’s history includes his financial contribution toward the establishment of the McKay Automotive Technology Center at Baton Rouge Community College in 2017 to train service technicians. Kerrigan said he wanted to honor the legacy of his father, who taught school.
At nearly 14%, California had the lowest zero-emission vehicle market share in the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.
Read More →
The new chief revenue officer joins the company from one of its partner firms and is an industry thought leader in participation programs.
Read More →
Technology leaders from Hyundai Motor Group will have open discussions at the inaugural HMG Tech Talent Forum on topics ranging from autonomous driving to 'smart' manufacturing.
Read More →
Stellantis is adding a third end-of-life vehicle dismantling facility to feed its growing reuse business sparked in large part by autos’ growing lifespans.
Read More →
U.S. consumer interest in electric vehicles lags behind other countries despite the rising gas prices caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Read More →
Research reveals the brands and models most likely to have higher recall rates over their lifetimes. While some brands rank high, addressing safety issues can be a selling point.
Read More →
Dealers are facing growing frustrations with current generic artificial intelligence tools, according to a survey by Lotlinx, which found they want a solution that understands their inventories.
Read More →
Scott Cooke has served in various roles with Toyota Financial Services for over 20 years, including president and CEO, which he retires from on June 30.
Read More →
The sale of two Minnesota franchises ends a rare multigenerational business while adding to one of the Midwest’s biggest auto groups.
Read More →
2026 NADA Chairman Rob Cochran knows a thing or two about leadership after decades in the business. He brings an emphasis on stewardship to his new role at the head of the country’s major auto retail trade group.
Read More →