Sonic Steals JLR Crown as USAT Drops 4 Calif. Stores

Sonic Automotive Inc. has become the nation’s largest Jaguar Land Rover retailer by volume with the acquisition of four California dealerships from US Auto Trust, reducing the latter’s footprint to Los Angeles-area Aston Martin, Cadillac and Lotus stores.
The deal increases Charlotte, N.C.-based Sonic’s auto and powersports franchise count to 177 nationwide. The acquired dealerships are Jaguar Land Rover Los Angeles, Jaguar Land Rover Newport Beach, Jaguar Land Rover San Jose and Land Rover Pasadena.
“This acquisition marks a major step forward for Sonic Automotive as we deepen our footprint in one of the most dynamic luxury markets in the country,” writes Sonic’s chairman and CEO, David B. Smith, in a release. “We’re proud to welcome the new teams into the Sonic family and look forward to building on the foundation they’ve created. This acquisition reflects our long-term belief in the strength of their brands and the opportunity ahead in this segment.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed at press time. Sonic projects the acquisition will add $500 million in annual revenue.
