The automotive landscape in Washington County, Pennsylvania, has shifted as John Sisson Motors Inc., a car dealership with a half-century legacy, has been acquired by Faisal and Ali Ahmed, a father-and-son partnership based in Florida. This acquisition marks another chapter in the evolving story of car dealerships in the region.
Jimmy Ramirez, the General Manager at John Sisson Motors, has confirmed the change in ownership, assuring that operations will remain consistent under the new management. The Ahmeds, who have a portfolio of dealerships in Florida and recently expanded into the Baltimore market with a Nissan dealership acquisition in June, are bringing their expertise to this established Washington, PA, institution.
John Sisson Motors is well-known for housing both Mercedes Benz and Nissan franchises, alongside a robust used car division. The acquisition encompasses these operations, signaling the new owners’ confidence in the diverse offerings of John Sisson Mercedes Washington.
While specific financial details of the dealership sale remain undisclosed, public records indicate significant real estate transactions connected to the deal. Washington APA RE LLC acquired two properties associated with the Sisson dealership, located at 470 and 480 Washington Road in South Strabane, for a total exceeding $18.7 million. This substantial investment underscores the value and strategic location of John Sisson Mercedes Washington.
This change in ownership for John Sisson Mercedes Washington is symptomatic of a broader trend within the automotive dealership sector. Pittsburgh, until recent years, had largely avoided the merger and acquisition activity prevalent nationwide. However, a wave of consolidation has begun, driven in part by succession challenges faced by long-standing, family-owned businesses.
The acquisition of John Sisson Mercedes Washington follows other significant dealership changes in the Pittsburgh region. Lithia Motors Inc., a publicly traded company, acquired the Cranberry-based Baierl Auto Group in 2017 and parts of the Monroeville-based Day Automotive Group in early 2018. Furthermore, Kenny Ross Auto Group saw a majority stake acquired by GPB Capital Holdings LLC in 2017, with subsequent sales of Kenny Ross Chevrolet and Nissan to #1 Cochran in 2019. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of the automotive retail market in the area.
The acquisition of John Sisson Mercedes Washington by the Ahmed family represents the latest development in this ongoing evolution. As family-owned dealerships transition, groups like the Ahmeds are stepping in, bringing new perspectives and investment to established businesses like John Sisson Motors, ensuring the continuation of automotive sales and service in Washington County. The future for John Sisson Mercedes Washington under its new ownership looks to build upon its strong foundation within the community.
