Sonic Automotive Becomes the Largest Jaguar Land Rover Retailer in the U.S.

Rhea-AI Summary

Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH), a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, has become the largest Jaguar Land Rover retail ownership group in the United States following the acquisition of four California dealerships from US Auto Trust. The newly acquired locations include Jaguar Land Rover Los Angeles, Jaguar Land Rover Newport Beach, Jaguar Land Rover San Jose, and Land Rover Pasadena.

The strategic acquisition is expected to generate approximately $500 million in annual revenue and expands Sonic's network to 177 automotive and powersports franchises across 125 locations. The company also operates 18 EchoPark Automotive locations nationwide, which is ranked as the No. 1 used car buying experience in America.

Insights

Auto Industry Financial Analyst

Sonic's acquisition of four California Jaguar Land Rover dealerships adds $500M annual revenue, strengthening luxury market position in prime territories.

Sonic Automotive's strategic acquisition of four premium Jaguar Land Rover dealerships in California represents a significant expansion in the luxury automotive retail sector. The addition of dealerships in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, San Jose, and Pasadena targets some of California's most affluent markets—regions with high concentrations of luxury vehicle consumers.

The transaction's $500 million anticipated annual revenue contribution is substantial, likely representing approximately 5-7% of Sonic's overall revenue based on their previous financial disclosures. This acquisition increases Sonic's total franchise count to 177 across 125 locations, strengthening their position as a major automotive retail group.

The luxury segment typically generates higher margins than mass-market vehicles, particularly in after-sales service. By becoming the largest Jaguar Land Rover retailer in the US, Sonic gains significant scale advantages in operations, marketing efficiency, and inventory management within this premium brand ecosystem.

This move aligns with broader industry consolidation trends where larger dealer groups are acquiring independent operators to achieve economies of scale. The California luxury market is particularly valuable due to its size, wealth concentration, and early adoption of new automotive technologies including electrification—an area where Jaguar Land Rover is investing heavily.

The transaction also complements Sonic's EchoPark used car operations, potentially creating valuable trade-in sourcing and cross-selling opportunities between the new luxury franchises and their pre-owned business, which has been recognized as the top-rated used car buying experience in America.

Acquisition of Four California Dealerships Expands National Footprint

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. ("Sonic" or the "Company") (NYSE: SAH), a Fortune 500 company and one of the country's largest automotive and powersports retailers, today announced it has become the largest Jaguar Land Rover retail ownership group in the United States by volume (2024 CY), following the acquisition of four dealerships in California.

The newly acquired stores include Jaguar Land Rover Los Angeles, Jaguar Land Rover Newport Beach, Jaguar Land Rover San Jose, and Land Rover Pasadena. All four were previously owned by US Auto Trust and represent a significant expansion in one of the most coveted luxury markets in the country.

The deal is expected to add approximately $500 million in annual revenue and brings Sonic's national footprint to 177 automotive and powersports franchises, including the seven newly acquired franchises.

"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," said David B. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sonic Automotive. "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."

In addition to its 177 automotive and powersports franchises at 125 locations, Sonic operates 18 EchoPark Automotive locations nationwide. EchoPark, ranked as the No. 1 used car buying experience in America, continues to expand the company's reach in the high-quality pre-owned segment.

"Since acquiring our first Jaguar Land Rover store in 2019, we focused on delivering a premium experience in California's most demanding luxury markets," said Edward Glazer, Founder of US Auto Trust. "These dealerships are strong, proven assets, and Sonic is well-positioned to take them over."

The move cements Sonic's status as a leading Jaguar Land Rover retail ownership group in the U.S. and underscores its growing influence in shaping the future of premium automotive customer experiences.

About Sonic Automotive
Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is on a quest to become the most valuable diversified automotive retail and service brand in America. Our Company culture thrives on creating, innovating, and providing industry-leading guest experiences, driven by strategic investments in technology, teammates, and ideas that ultimately fulfill ownership dreams, enrich lives, and deliver happiness to our guests and teammates. As one of the largest automotive and powersports retailers in America, we are committed to delivering on this goal while pursuing expansive growth and taking progressive measures to be the leader in these categories. Our new platforms, programs, and people are set to drive the next generation of automotive and powersports experiences. More information about Sonic Automotive can be found at sonicautomotive.com and ir.sonicautomotive.com.

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Sonic Automotive Investor Inquiries
Heath Byrd, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Danny Wieland, Vice President, Investor Relations
ir@sonicautomotive.com

Sonic Automotive Press Inquiries
Sonic Automotive Media Relations
media.relations@sonicautomotive.com

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SOURCE Sonic Automotive

FAQ

How many dealerships did Sonic Automotive (SAH) acquire in California?

Sonic Automotive acquired four dealerships in California: Jaguar Land Rover Los Angeles, Jaguar Land Rover Newport Beach, Jaguar Land Rover San Jose, and Land Rover Pasadena.

How much additional annual revenue is expected from Sonic Automotive's new Jaguar Land Rover dealerships?

The acquisition is expected to add approximately $500 million in annual revenue to Sonic Automotive.

How many total franchises does Sonic Automotive (SAH) now operate?

Following the acquisition, Sonic Automotive operates 177 automotive and powersports franchises across 125 locations, plus 18 EchoPark Automotive locations.

Who was the previous owner of the acquired Jaguar Land Rover dealerships?

The four dealerships were previously owned by US Auto Trust, founded by Edward Glazer.

What is Sonic Automotive's current position in the Jaguar Land Rover retail market?

Following this acquisition, Sonic Automotive has become the largest Jaguar Land Rover retail ownership group in the United States by volume (2024 CY).