The automotive landscape in Washington County has shifted as John Sisson Motors Inc., a dealership with a solid 50-year history, has been acquired by a father-son partnership from Florida, Faisal and Ali Ahmed. This acquisition signals another chapter for the well-established Sisson Mercedes and Nissan dealership.
Jimmy Ramirez, the general manager at John Sisson Motors, has confirmed the change in ownership. However, he indicated that operations will continue smoothly without any immediate changes under the new management. This news brings reassurance to both employees and loyal customers of Sisson Mercedes and Nissan.
Faisal and Ali Ahmed are experienced auto dealers with a portfolio of dealerships in Florida. Their expansion into the Baltimore area with a Nissan dealership acquisition earlier in June demonstrates their growing presence in the automotive retail sector. The purchase of John Sisson Motors, which prominently features a Mercedes Benz dealership alongside its Nissan and used car divisions, further expands their footprint and brand diversity.
While the specifics of the business sale remain undisclosed, public records reveal significant real estate transactions linked to the deal. Two properties associated with the Sisson dealership, located at 470 and 480 Washington Road in South Strabane, were purchased by Washington APA RE LLC for a total exceeding $18.7 million. This substantial real estate component underscores the value and scale of the John Sisson Motors operation, including its Sisson Mercedes dealership.
This acquisition of Sisson Mercedes is part of a broader trend in the automotive dealership industry. Pittsburgh, until recently, had been somewhat insulated from the mergers and acquisitions wave seen across the nation. However, a generational shift and succession planning challenges facing family-owned dealerships have contributed to increased consolidation.
Notably, Lithia Motors Inc., a publicly traded company, acquired the Cranberry-based Baierl Auto Group in 2017 and parts of Monroeville-based Day Automotive Group in early 2018. Kenny Ross Auto Group also saw a significant portion of its business acquired in 2017 by GPB Capital Holdings LLC, which subsequently sold Kenny Ross Chevrolet and Kenny Ross Nissan to #1 Cochran in 2019. These transactions highlight the evolving dynamics within the Pittsburgh automotive market, now including the Sisson Mercedes dealership.
The acquisition of John Sisson Motors by the Florida-based group marks the latest development in this evolving landscape. As family-owned dealerships transition, groups like Faisal and Ali Ahmed are stepping in, bringing new perspectives and investment to established businesses like Sisson Mercedes, ensuring their continued operation in the Washington County community.
