Driving the news: Two Kia dealerships just changed hands—one in California and the other in Kentucky.
For context: Nouri/Shaver Automotive sold their Palmdale Kia store to Trust Auto Group, while Martin Management Group divested their Bowling Green location to Don Franklin Auto Group, according to deal advisors Performance Brokerage Services.
Why it matters: These sales reflect Kia's remarkable rise in dealer circles. According to CDG's Q2 2025 Dealer Outlook Survey, Kia now ranks as the fourth most desirable franchise for acquisitive dealers—beating out Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. That's a stunning transformation for a brand that spent decades fighting its "cheap car" image.
Bottom line: Kia's appeal makes perfect sense for today's market. The brand hits the sweet spot dealers are looking for, like affordable products that move fast and generate solid margins.
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