The automotive landscape in Washington County has shifted as John Sisson Motors Inc., a car dealership with a strong presence spanning approximately five decades, has been taken over by Faisal and Ali Ahmed, a father-and-son partnership based in Florida. This acquisition marks a significant transition for the dealership, known for its Mercedes Benz and Nissan franchises, along with a robust used car division.
Jimmy Ramirez, the General Manager at John Sisson Motors, has confirmed the change in ownership. While details remain sparse, Ramirez indicated that the new owners are committed to maintaining the current operational structure, suggesting a period of continuity for the dealership’s staff and customers. Faisal and Ali Ahmed bring a wealth of experience to this new venture, with a portfolio that includes multiple auto dealerships in Florida and, more recently, the acquisition of a Nissan dealership in the Baltimore area in June. Their expanding footprint in the automotive retail sector signals a dynamic phase for John Sisson Motors.
Public records reveal the real estate transactions underpinning this business sale. Two properties associated with the Sisson dealership, located at 470 and 480 Washington Road in South Strabane, were acquired by Washington APA RE LLC for a total investment exceeding $18.7 million. This substantial real estate deal underscores the significant value and established location of John Sisson Motors within the Washington County market.
The acquisition of John Sisson Motors reflects a broader trend within the automotive dealership industry, particularly in regions like Pittsburgh. Up until 2017, the Pittsburgh area had largely remained outside the wave of mergers and acquisitions reshaping the national auto dealership scene. However, a growing number of family-owned dealerships, many with decades of history, are now facing succession challenges, prompting ownership changes.
This trend has seen significant players entering the Pittsburgh market. Lithia Motors Inc., a publicly traded company headquartered in Medford, Oregon, made a notable entry by acquiring the Cranberry-based Baierl Auto Group. Lithia further expanded its presence in early 2018 with the acquisition of parts of the Monroeville-based Day Automotive Group. Kenny Ross Auto Group also underwent a major change in summer 2017 when a majority stake was bought by GPB Capital Holdings LLC, a private equity firm based in New York. Subsequently, GPB divested Kenny Ross Chevrolet and Kenny Ross Nissan in Zelienople, selling them to #1 Cochran in February 2019.
These acquisitions highlight the evolving dynamics of the automotive retail sector in the Pittsburgh region, with consolidations and new ownership structures becoming increasingly common. For John Sisson Motors Mercedes Benz, the acquisition by Faisal and Ali Ahmed represents a new chapter, promising to build upon the dealership’s established legacy in Washington County while navigating the changing currents of the automotive market.
