AutoNation buys Stellantis, Subaru, Volkswagen, Mazda and Hyundai dealerships in California

Baker said he bought out his father, the late Bob Baker, over 10 years, aside from a few stores his father had sold separately.

Bob Baker, who died in 2021 just shy of his 90th birthday, bought his first dealership in 1965 in Indiana. He moved to California and built up his group, eventually owning more than 20 franchised dealerships.

Chris Baker said he knew AutoNation would bring the stability he wanted for his company and employees, most of whom stayed on with AutoNation. Because he leases the property the dealerships sit on, Baker said he wanted a reliable tenant, and knew AutoNation offered that, too.

AutoNation purchased four Colorado stores in December. In July and August, it divested three dealerships, including an Audi store it sold to Sonic Automotive Inc.

AutoNation, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., ranks No. 2 on Automotive News’ list of the top 150 dealership groupsbased in the U.S., with retail sales of 229,971 new vehicles in 2022.