Zeigler Auto Group Expands Its Offerings with Jeep Franchise Acquisition

Zeigler Auto Group Expands with Jeep Franchise

In a major move to expand its automotive offerings, Zeigler Auto Group, a leading name in the automotive dealership sector across the U.S., has successfully acquired the Jeep franchise from LaFontaine Auto Group. This acquisition is not just a strategic business decision; it signifies a commitment to enhance customer experience and streamline operations at their Kalamazoo location.

Located at 3718 Stadium Drive, the former LaFontaine Jeep will now transition to Zeigler’s headquarters at 4201 Stadium Drive, which is conveniently just a minute away. The newly branded dealership will be known as Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Kalamazoo, aligning with Zeigler's strategy to consolidate its Stellantis brands under one roof, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM.

Aaron Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group, emphasized the importance of this acquisition. He stated, "This strategic acquisition from LaFontaine, another respected family-owned business, strengthens our commitment to providing a streamlined, one-stop automotive experience for our customers. Our goal has always been to deliver the Ultimate Automotive Experience—and bringing Jeep into our Stadium Drive location allows us to do just that, more conveniently than ever."

The expansion further aligns with Zeigler’s growth strategy, which has seen the company widen its dealership footprint within the Midwest. Recent acquisitions have also taken place in Indiana and Wisconsin, showcasing the company's ambition to enhance its market presence.

Founded in 1975, Zeigler Auto Group has grown remarkably, now operating 84 franchises across 41 locations, serving customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The group’s diverse portfolio includes nearly all domestic and most international vehicle brands, underlining their commitment to meeting a wide array of customer preferences.

Beyond traditional auto sales, Zeigler Auto Group also operates Zeigler Motorsports, a colossal 85,000-square-foot powersports dealership and action park. This facility boasts a vast selection of 19 different powersports brands and features the Trak Houz Bar Grill, highlighting Zeigler’s innovative approach to customer experience. Furthermore, their commitment to leadership development is evident through the Elevate Leadership Team Building Academy, providing executive training initiatives.

As an employer, Zeigler has garnered accolades for fostering an exceptional work environment, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation with projected annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2024. The organization prides itself on its reputation as a preferred workplace, frequently acknowledged as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation. Additionally, they have earned accolades in various regions, including Wisconsin and Chicago, and were named as one of Glassdoor’s 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S. for 2024, reflecting their commitment to employee satisfaction and work-life balance.

In conclusion, the acquisition of the Jeep franchise represents a significant step for Zeigler Auto Group in fortifying its presence in Kalamazoo and enhancing the automotive experience for its customers. With this strategic move, Zeigler continues to build on its legacy of service excellence and operational innovation in the automotive industry.