Serra Automotive purchases Buff Whelan, nation’s highest-volume Chevy dealership

Grand Blanc-based mostly Serra Automotive Inc., one particular of the largest non-public dealership groups in the U.S., has obtained Sterling Heights-based mostly Buff Whelan Chevrolet, the greatest-quantity Chevy store in the region.

Serra purchased Buff Whelan in a transaction that shut Monday. Phrases were not disclosed. The retail outlet has been rebranded Serra Whelan Chevrolet.

“Serra Whelan Chevrolet will come to be our eighth Chevrolet place,” Serra Automotive President Joe Serra claimed in an e-mail to staff about the acquisition. “From an organizational standpoint, I am thrilled about this new acquisition as the Chevrolet brand is amazing and staying situated in Metro Detroit makes it even far better.”

Buff Whelan rated No. 1 in retail new-motor vehicle revenue in the place in 2020, Standard Motors confirmed. The dealership, named following founder Robert “Buff” Whelan, who launched it in 1970, mentioned on its site that it has held the national Chevrolet profits crown since 2017 and has led Michigan Chevy income considering the fact that 2001.

The keep was owned by Kerry Whelan, Buff Whelan’s daughter, who took about after his demise in 2004.

The Serra group has been growing. Past calendar year, Serra acquired Honda and Mazda dealerships in Brighton, Mich., and Buick-GMC and Subaru stores in Savoy, Sick.

Serra, of Fenton, Mich., ranks No. 22 on Automotive News‘ list of the prime 150 dealership teams centered in the U.S., with retail income of 32,070 new cars in 2019.