AutoNation has purchased Jerry’s Toyota, a well-known dealership in Baltimore, Maryland. The sale was handled by the Dave Cantin Group as part of a long-term ownership transition for the Stautberg family. The deal supports AutoNation’s broader growth in the Mid-Atlantic region and adds a high-volume Toyota store to its portfolio.
Meanwhile, Jerry’s Toyota has operated in the Baltimore area for over 40 years. The business is part of a family legacy that began in 1957. For many years, the dealership has served both new and repeat customers, some from the same families.
James Stautberg, who led the dealership as president, said that choosing a buyer was a careful process.
“We’ve sold cars to multiple generations of the same families,” he said. “I wanted to entrust this business – and my associates and customers – to someone who would take care of them.”
The dealership has been a steady performer in one of the country’s strongest Toyota markets. The sale marks the end of an era for the Stautberg family and sets up the store for its next chapter under new ownership.
AutoNation Strengthens Its Position in Maryland
AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the US. The company continues to grow through select acquisitions in key regions. With this deal, AutoNation adds a well-established Toyota store in a market known for high brand loyalty and strong retail demand.
This is AutoNation’s first Toyota acquisition in over ten years. The company now gains greater scale in the Baltimore-Washington area, where Toyota has remained one of the top-performing brands.
The addition of Jerry’s Toyota gives AutoNation another foothold in a dense and competitive market. It also adds to the company’s volume of Toyota units sold and serviced in the region.
Dave Cantin Group Leads Succession Process
The Dave Cantin Group (DCG) advised the seller throughout the process. The transaction was structured as a succession plan that allowed for a smooth transition from family ownership to corporate operation.
“Jerry’s Toyota has been a cornerstone of the Mid-Atlantic automotive community for decades,” said Dave Cantin, CEO of DCG. “Supporting this multi-generational succession plan and helping this respected organization transition to the next chapter with a world-class operator like AutoNation is an honor.”
DCG works with dealership owners across the US on mergers, acquisitions, and ownership planning. The group focuses on building deals that protect long-term business health and employee stability.
More Consolidation Across the Industry
Retail automotive continues to shift, with more large groups acquiring independent and family-owned stores. These deals are often driven by succession planning, market positioning, and rising operational demands.
AutoNation’s acquisition of Jerry’s Toyota reflects this broader trend. As dealership ownership evolves, more long-standing businesses are preparing for future transitions. The financial details of the sale were not made public.
