RRR Automotive Group has been acquired by Group 1 Automotive in a strategic deal facilitated by Kerrigan Advisors, reflecting the dynamic landscape of the mid-Atlantic automotive market.

Target Overview

RRR Automotive Group, established by Dick Patterson and Robert Hisaoka in the 1990s, has become one of the most valuable automotive import groups in the mid-Atlantic region. With headquarters in Maryland, the group operates several well-known franchises, including Toyota of Bowie, Kia of Bowie, Honda of Owings Mills, Honda of Greenbelt, College Park Hyundai, and Toyota Certified at Capital Plaza—one of the few standalone Toyota certified centers in the country. The group also manages three collision centers. In 2024, RRR Automotive Group was sold to Group 1 Automotive, with Kerrigan Advisors acting as the intermediary in this significant transaction. In an interview, Patterson, President and CEO of RRR, reflects on the guidance provided by Kerrigan Advisors amidst the challenges facing auto retailers today.

Industry Overview in the Mid-Atlantic Region

The automotive industry in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore metro area has experienced considerable growth and consolidation in recent years. This market is characterized by a substantial government employment base and numerous private contractors that support this workforce, leading to a densely populated region with strong average household incomes. As a result, the car market here is often considered recession-proof, which attracts investment and encourages the formation of successful automotive groups.

Recent years have seen significant changes in dealership operations, influenced by evolving manufacturer requirements and regulatory frameworks set by government agencies. These aspects pose both challenges and opportunities for auto retailers, often transfor