News Summary
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Mercedes-Benz of South Austin, as Swickard Auto Group pivots to expand in western U.S. markets. The sale illustrates strategic shifts for both companies while emphasizing Texas’s strong auto retail market. The acquisition enhances Group 1’s presence in the area, where it already operates Mercedes-Benz of Georgetown. Meanwhile, Swickard aims to focus on growth in states like California and Washington, marking a significant shift in operational strategy.
Austin, TX – Group 1 Automotive, Inc. has acquired Mercedes-Benz of South Austin as Swickard Auto Group shifts its focus to expanding operations in western U.S. markets. The sale reflects both companies’ strategic realignments and highlights the continuing desirability of the Texas auto retail market.
Mercedes-Benz of South Austin was previously owned by Jeff Swickard, who is the owner of Swickard Auto Group. The dealership was recognized as the 30th largest in the nation in the Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups report for 2025. The transaction was facilitated by Haig Partners, which acted as the sell-side advisor for the deal.
Group 1 Automotive operates a significant portfolio of 263 auto dealerships and 39 collision centers across the United States and the United Kingdom. Over the past year, the company generated nearly $21 billion in revenue, highlighting its strong position in the automotive market. The acquisition adds to Group 1’s existing presence in the Austin area, where it also owns Mercedes-Benz of Georgetown, further solidifying its footprint in Texas.
Strategic Focus for Swickard Auto Group
With this sale, Swickard Auto Group aims to concentrate growth efforts in states such as California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and Hawaii. The decision aligns with Jeff Swickard’s acknowledgment of the premier status of the Mercedes-Benz brand and the dynamic nature of the Austin market. This strategy is a part of a larger effort to streamline operations and focus on regions that offer greater potential for growth.
Insights on the Automotive Market
Daryl Kenningham, CEO of Group 1 Automotive, has emphasized the company’s focus on higher-performing brands in large markets, which is essential for operational success. The acquisition of Mercedes-Benz of South Austin not only expands Group 1’s market presence but also enhances its brand portfolio in a state characterized by high population growth and business-friendly conditions.
Alan Haig from Haig Partners described the transaction as beneficial to all parties involved: Swickard, Group 1, and the Mercedes-Benz USA brand. In total, this marks the 48th dealership transaction in Texas that Haig Partners has facilitated, demonstrating the firm’s strong activity in the region’s auto industry. Currently, Haig Partners represents six additional dealerships in Texas, with pending closings, while also advising on the sale of four more dealerships.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The Texas automotive market continues to thrive, driven by significant population growth and a favorable business climate. Haig Partners has identified Mercedes-Benz as one of the most sought-after auto franchises in its Q4 2024 Haig Report. The firm has facilitated the buying or selling of 19 Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide, including two in Texas within the same year the South Austin dealership was sold.
This acquisition by Group 1 Automotive signals its intent to leverage the strong auto retail environment in Texas while aligning with the company’s broader strategy of growth and expansion in key markets across the western United States. As both companies navigate their respective paths, the sale reflects a robust automotive landscape, indicating ongoing opportunities for industry players.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Auto Body News
- Wikipedia: Mercedes-Benz
- Business Wire
- Google Search: Group 1 Automotive
- Automotive News
- Google Scholar: Swickard Auto Group
- GuruFocus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Automotive Market
- Insider Monkey
- Google News: Haig Partners
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
